England at the World Cup - Revised Squad February 2018
by Chris
Back in the day, the dawn of the Sporting Lowdown, the second article ever written on here, the dinosaur days, I wrote a little bit on the England Squad I would take to Russia next year. And, as time does, it changes the opinions of the opinionated. Here is the updated thoughts which I think see to all upturns and downturns of potential England internationals.
Goalkeepers
1: Jordan PICKFORD (Everton F.C.)
Caps : 1
2017/18 apps : 25
My pick for number 1 in the previous article was Jack Butland. Of course, he hasn't had a terribly poor season, but as we all know, Stoke haven't had the usually solid 9th place finish which we've all got so used to. Jordan Pickford and Everton's seasons, since the previous time of writing, have most definitely taken a U-turn from competing with Stoke in the bottom three, to now chasing the 7th spot behind the inevitable big six. Pickford's excellent distribution is possibly his strongest attribute, possessing the longest kick on average in the Premier League this season. He makes it as the number one for me, and no don't get me started on Joe Hart. If he makes it as number one in the summer having played inexplicably poorly for West Ham, then being displaced by Adrian as the number one at the London Stadium, it will be possibly the most crazy decision in English football history.
2: Jack BUTLAND (Stoke City)
Caps: 6
2017/18 apps: 24
Jack Butland was previously my number one, and the number two was Fraser Forster, who has had a very poor season by his standards. Butland however, as the Potters have drifted down the table has maintained strong performances that have seen him linked with Liverpool and Arsenal for the summer. Butland was one of the most sought after 'keepers after a stunning 15/16 season which saw him emerge as the backup to Hart and possible successor in Euro 2016, but after suffering a lengthy ankle injury in the international friendly against Germany in March 2016 saw him ruled out of the Euros and the rest of the season. Butland has fought back and right now is climbing back to that form, and would be definitely one of the favourites to be on the plane in this position for England.
3: Nick POPE (Burnley F.C.)
Uncapped
2017/18 apps: 24
For this position I previously chose Joe Hart over Pope's teammate Tom Heaton, who suffered a particularly unfortunate injury at the beginning of this season, leading the way for former Charlton man Nick Pope to start between the sticks for the Clarets. An almost unknown, he came in and held off 37 attempts (on and off target) from Liverpool at Anfield, making stunning saves from Mo Salah and Dominic Solanke as they drew 1-1. His superb strength and concentration in the net for Burnley have been a key reason for their stunning overachievement this season, sitting in 7th place, although they haven't won in 10. He should be given the chance as England's number three because of his incredible performances and the fact that he would be a very safe pair of hands if he was ever to be called upon.
Possibilities that missed out on my squad:
Joe Hart:
I think his experience could count for something in Russia, but the fact that he's been displaced by Adrian must mean that he isn't in consideration for the squad.
Fraser Forster:
The Saints' keeper hasn't been in the greatest form this season and has been displaced by Alex McCarthy for some of this season, but his towering 6'7 frame could provide a different option between the sticks for the Three Lions.
Right Wing-Backs
4: Kyle WALKER (Manchester City)
Caps: 32
2017/18 apps: 25
Kyle Walker has most definitely gone up in my estimations over the past season. He was always a competent performer, but £50m? Was he worth it? The crazy money in football these days, I think money is just a tag of insignificance, especially for City Sports Group and the like. He was solid at Spurs, occasionally turning up but always being a decent 7 out of 10. This year, maybe its the effect of Pep Guardiola, he has upped that standard. To be fair, he was bound to look good as a replacement for the ageing Pablo Zabaleta and Bacary Sagna, but his energy, pace, and work rate is nothing but excellent. I thought it would be tight between him and Clyne for the World Cup starting place, but with his performances and Clyne's injury, there is no doubt.
5: Kieran TRIPPIER (Tottenham Hostpur)
Caps: 3
2017/18 apps: 18
The player who came to fruition after Walker's departure at Spurs, Kieran Trippier is ironically a product of the Manchester City academy, and since Walker's departure has established himself as the first choice right back at Spurs. As I believe England will play 3 at the back with wing backs, Trippier and Walker give England possibly the best options in their position, in world football. A big statement yes, but what other country has two superb right backs both offensively and defensively? Joshua Kimmich is probably the best right back in the world in this moment, but Germany's other options are Mitchell Weiser, a crazily offensive wing-back for Hoffenheim, and Matthias Ginter, who's career has reignited his career now at centre-back for Monchengladbach. I think we're extremely strong in this department.
Possibilities that missed out on my squad:
Nathaniel Clyne:
A season plagued by injury, Clyne has just resumed full training with the Reds in Marbella. I think it would be wrong for Clyne to be taken to the World Cup unless he makes a crazily good impact in the last few months of the season, and for his position that would be on the brink of impossible.
Trent Alexander-Arnold:
The young central midfielder has found a regular spot in Jürgen Klopp's side at right back, rotating with Joe Gomez. He has broken through and starred in the Reds' superb foundation in the Champions League, but this would be a tournament too early for me.
Left Wing Backs:
6: Ryan BERTRAND (Southampton F.C.)
Caps: 19
2017/18 apps: 24
Ryan Bertrand is one of the best to come out of the Chelsea loan system and for me has to be on the plane and on the pitch for England. His consummate play and ease of energy I think makes him the second best in the division behind Marcos Alonso. Without him, I don't think Southampton would be the same team, and he has been publicly recognised by teammate Charlie Austin in a recent video with Soccer AM as Southampton's 'best and most complete' player.
7: Danny ROSE (Tottenham Hotspur)
Caps: 14
2017/18 apps: 5
Danny Rose hasn't had the most satisfactory season so far, having been overtaken by Ben Davies as number one left wing back/ left back in the Lilywhites eleven. He was one of rebellion in the summer, complaining about the money that he was paid by Daniel Levy and was heavily linked to Manchester United, but remained at the club, and it has yet to really pay off as he has played average at best, and I'm sure he won't be at the club next year. But he still has plenty to offer as his talent hasn't disappeared, and if he was in-form he would be a shoe-in for Russia. I left him out last time, but I feel the average performances of Aaron Cresswell mean that Rose would move higher up the pecking order on natural ability.
Possibilities that missed out on my squad:
Aaron Cresswell:
The West Ham man now has seasoned full back Patrice Evra to contend with at the London Stadium, and his performances have been quite lacklustre and mediocre this season, but he has the potential to improve and I think he could be in the squad for Euro 2020.
Ashley Young:
The ex-Villa man has performed admirably at left-wing back for United this season, but at 32 I would question his legs in such a high energy position. It wouldn't surprise me if he was selected as a utility option however, as I feel Southgate rates him highly.
Luke Shaw:
Having returned from injury and not particularly impressing for me, I think this tournament is one too early for Shaw. If he nails down a starting spot, whether at United or anywhere else, I think he is the most gifted left sided defender in England.
Centre Backs:
8: Eric DIER (Tottenham Hotspur)
Caps: 23
2017/18 apps: 27
Eric Dier isn't necessarily a natural centre back, but has filled in there for Spurs this season and throughout his career. He doesn't strike me as a natural central midfielder, and I think he's better suited as a member of a back three. I had him down as a midfielder in the previous edition, but I think he will be a part of the back three with the next two on this list. I think he would be displaced by Henderson in a defensive midfielder role anyway if Southgate used one, but he will be one of the best choices for the centre half spot.
9: Harry MAGUIRE (Leicester City)
Caps: 3
2017/18 apps: 27
Harry Maguire was a player who I'd have laughed at being in the England squad this World Cup, but his performances for Leicester this season have been fantastic. Having been handed his debut during the Autumn, Maguire has made serious strides at club level which I think merit a place on the pitch against Tunisia. I had the pleasure of watching the former Sheffield United and Hull man at Anfield in Leicester's 2-1 defeat, and barring Mo Salah he was the best player on the pitch, and was comically labelled several expletives by local attenders, the cleanest of which being "Meathead" preceded by a swear word throughout the entire 90 minutes. They really didn't take a liking to his excellent possession-based play and his driving runs through defence to midfield, which really stole the show in my opinion.
10: John STONES (Manchester City)
Caps: 22
2017/18 apps: 16
A season of improvement has been slightly overshadowed by injury so far for John Stones, but the difference now in the ball-playing defender from the youngster facing criticism at Goodison Park is just incredible. His defensive maturity, his decision making on whether to get rid or play out, his leadership skills, have all improved immensely, and the one man to thank is Pep Guardiola for showing faith in Stones's style. The natural ability on the ball has been showcased ever since his days in the lower leagues with Barnsley, but his decision making this year have really reached another level. He could be England's starting centre-back for years to come if he continues in this vein.
11: Gary CAHILL (Chelsea F.C.)
Caps: 58
2017/18 apps: 20
I had Cahill down as a starter in the previous edition, but the recent downturn in Chelsea's defensive form has resulted in the skipper being left out of the side recently. I think, unlike Hart, he has shown the quality of performance to remain in the England squad. However, he needs to improve if he wants to start as I feel the other five options that I have put in would be more suited to the back three. This season Cahill has started to show a lack of pace which I've never really come across and seen from him before, so he may need to work on his legs if he wants to start against Tunisia.
12: Joe GOMEZ (Liverpool F.C.)
Caps: 2
2017/18 apps: 22
Another one I'd have absolutely laughed at at the beginning of last year, as Gomez looked extremely incapable in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Wolves at Anfield. But he had only just returned from injury, and filling in at right back in his unnatural position he has been especially solid. He made his England debut against Brazil, performed excellently, and subsequently won the man of the match award against Germany. I did suggest Gomez's possible inclusion and it was laughed off as a biased view, but this kid has serious talent. He could be both England and Liverpool's starting centre back for the next 10 years if he remains injury free, I really think so. He could also operate as a right or left back if required in a back four.
13: Phil JONES (Manchester United)
Caps: 24
2017/18 apps: 21
I've decided to include another centre back because of the versatility of Eric Dier and Phil Jones, barring a few stunning own goals, has vastly improved this season for Manchester United, and I dislike people who give him unfair criticism because yes, he isn't fashionable, his name is Phil Jones not Phillippe Jonedinho, yes, he isn't the greatest with his feet, he makes grotesque faces whilst in possession, but he gets the job done, and everyone makes mistakes. He is a world beater in comparison to his laughable form in previous seasons, and if he's not on the plane I will be hugely surprised.
Possibilities that missed out on my squad:
Jack Stephens:
The Southampton man has really excelled in the post-Van Dijk era, scoring three goals in three matches recently. This tournament however may be one too early for Stephens in his development but he has great potential.
Chris Smalling:
I'm unsure that Smalling has shown the strides that Jones has in the previous few seasons. Although more naturally artistic with the ball, Smalling hasn't shown the form for me to be selected in the final 23.
Central Midfielders (Defensive and Offensive) :
14: Jordan HENDERSON (Liverpool F.C.)
Caps: 36
2017/18 apps: 18
Jordan Henderson is a definite for the squad injury preventing for me. I'm not his biggest fan, but he has shown strides forward, both metaphorically and literally, in the previous few games since returning from injury. His main criticism is his tendency to choose a backwards or sideways pass over a forward one, and being honest, he isn't the greatest or most talented footballer, but his attitude, work rate and general play are of merit to make it in the England squad. My biggest nightmare would be him and Dier in a midfield two however, both better with the ball at their teammates feet rather than their own, both not the quickest and both not the quickest in mind, and that would spell a serious issue for England if they both played in the midfield together.
15: Alex OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN (Liverpool F.C.)
Caps: 30
2017/18 apps: 24
I was ecstatic at the arrival of Oxlade-Chamberlain to Anfield this summer, as I think a player of his type was wasted under Arsene Wenger at Arsenal. He needed high energy. People again thought I was crazy, thinking he would be a success for £35m, but I think he's severely justified the fee. His improvement for me has not only come in the form of his performances in open play, his pressing and his passing, but his dead-ball situations, as he has emerged as the leading corner taker since the departure of Phillippe Coutinho. I think he will be an impact substitute for England, either to give pace through the middle or on either flank. If he's not in the 23 it will be a total travesty.
16: Jack WILSHERE (Arsenal)
Caps: 34
2017/18 apps: 15
Did I put this man in last time? No. Do you know why? I thought he'd have been injured again by Christmas when he returned for Arsenal this season. A player of such natural ability, Wilshere on his day is England's most talented central midfielder since the golden era of Lampard, Gerrard and Scholes, but those days are so often plagued with injury. If he's fit, he has to start. He has been one of few bright sparks for Arsenal so far this campaign, and alongside Jordan Henderson I think he will excel.
17: Dele ALLI (Tottenham Hotspur)
Caps: 22
2017/18 apps: 26
Dele Alli hasn't been at his peak this season, but this criticism is but a compliment to his remarkable development into one of the Premier League's best attacking midfielders. Although judged to be diving multiple times this season, and caught filming inappropriate adult content, he is still a magnificent talent. If he stays injury free he could easily reach 100 caps for England, he has 22 by the age of 21! I don't think he can be compared to any of the golden three in Gerrard, Lampard and Scholes but definitely can have more of an impact for his country.
Possiblilities that missed out on my squad:
Adam Lallana:
I had him in my original squad, but Lallana's injury was more severe than first feared and is only just beginning to return. He has been excellent for England in recent years, scoring the only goal of the split-second Allardyce era, but he does need to regain fitness and form to be considered for selection.
James Ward-Prowse:
Another bright spark for the Saints, James Ward-Prowse has had a fantastic 2018 so far, adding goals and assists to his unbelievable dead-ball threat. He would be a good selection for England for simply the reason that he could possibly be the best dead-ball specialist in the country, but I'm not sure this is the right tournament for him. If he establishes himself as a starter and regular goalscorer for Southampton, he should be a definite for the 2020 Euros.
Fabian Delph:
Featuring predominantly as a left back for Manchester City this season, Fabian Delph has truly revived what was a fading career at the Etihad. I think he could get in but his injury problems recently will just prevent him. Respect to him though for turning his career around.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
He seriously impressed on his England debut and for Crystal Palace earlier on this season, but his place is unlikely because of his recent injury issues. Such a shame as he is a real talent and will be excellent for whoever he chooses to play for next season.
Wingers:
18: Jesse LINGARD (Manchester United)
Caps: 8
2017/18 apps: 23
Wow. I seriously underestimated the development of Jesse Lingard. I said in my previous piece and I quote, "Jesse Lingard isn't of the same class as Rashford, and has significantly less potential. Yes, it seems rather blunt, but that is why he mainly comes off the bench for England and United." Marcus Rashford still has significant potential, but Lingard's late development is one to be seriously admired. Labelled 'Lingardinho' ironically by some social media sites, his 7 Premier League goals have helped United in their quest for second place.
19: Raheem STERLING (Manchester City)
Caps: 35
2017/18 apps: 25
My most hated footballer by a long way, it is impossible to deny the improvement Sterling has made under Guardiola this season. This doesn't stop him failing in his quest to win at Anfield in his three attempts since leaving however, and he will continue to receive this abuse for the rest of his career I'm sure. 15 goals this season is an excellent return in support for Sergio Aguero too, and I really hope he performs to his full potential this summer because that will be hard to stop for any defence for any nation.
20: Marcus RASHFORD (Manchester United)
Caps: 15
2017/18 apps: 25
Marcus Rashford has been utilised in whatever way possible by Jose Mourinho, it seems almost anywhere but in his natural no.9 role. With stiff competition from Lukaku, Ibrahimović, Martial and new arrival Alexis Sanchez it would be difficult to make Rashford the focal point, but for me if he is to fulfil his potential he has to play there. I think he will play either as a left winger or as a possible second striker if we are in desperate need of a goal.
Possibilities that didn't make my squad:
Nathan Redmond:
Redmond has appeared several times for Southgate since his appointment due to his admiration for the former u21 player. His performances since however have been quite dismal as Southampton have disappointed so far this season
Theo Walcott:
Since his move to Everton, Walcott has started to show his class once again, but I don't think he has the quality of Rashford, Lingard or Sterling and is probably still not 100% fit.
Jordon Ibe:
You might think I'm crazy, but the ex-Red has impressed at glimpses so far this season. He would be an outside selection but he would be a different option for England. Eddie Howe must be credited for his evolution of the Wycombe trainee, as he has provided game changing moments to win points for the Cherries at the Vitality.
Strikers:
21: Jamie VARDY (Leicester City)
Caps: 19
2017/18 apps: 26
22: Callum WILSON (A.F.C Bournemouth)
Uncapped
2017/18 apps: 17
What an incredible story this is. Working his way up the leagues with Coventry and then Bournemouth, banging in a superb hat trick in 2015 against West Ham United, then suffering two unimaginable injuries to his anterior cruciate ligament ruling him out for a combined total of 13 months. He has returned this season with a vengeance however, scoring 7 times so far including another hat trick, this time against Huddersfield and a winner against Arsenal. I think his form deserves an England call-up, although he is quite similar in stature and style to Jamie Vardy.
23: Harry KANE (Tottenham Hotspur)
Caps: 23
2017/18 apps: 26
What else is there to say? For me, he is the best striker in the world, no question anymore. Perhaps Lewandowski, Suarez and Cavani have something to say about that, but Kane is just something else. He scores every type of goal, he brings other players into play, he is simply incredible. If he remains injury free, and continues for Tottenham for the rest of his career, he will become the Premier League's highest ever scorer, for me there is no doubt. Money talks though, and I'm sure Florentino Perez will be reaching deep into his pockets, perhaps providing an offer that Daniel Levy cannot refuse. As a neutral, I would hate to see this as he brings so much to the Premier League. However, as a Liverpool fan, it would be slightly satisfying to see Spurs's best player leave. 23 goals in 26 games is an incredible return, and considering the way he finished last season, he could easily bag 35 goals this season to break Shearer and Cole's season-by-season record of 34.
Possibilities that missed out on my squad:
Ashley Barnes:
The Burnley man's performances have seen him linked with a move to Chelsea in recent months, but he just hasn't scored enough goals for me to get him as a surprise call-up to the 23 man squad.
Dominic Solanke:
Another who made his England debut back in November, Solanke is still to get off the mark for his new club Liverpool. His opportunities have been limited but his work rate and ambition impresses Jürgen Klopp immensely. I think this is one or two tournaments too early for the 20 year old.
Jermain Defoe:
Wilson's teammate Defoe just hasn't scored enough for Bournemouth for me to really consider him an option. At 35 too, it's starting to get to the point where Defoe cannot play every match, and his recent injury could fast-forward the end of a fantastic career.
Here is the eleven I would play to start in Russia against Tunisia in June
Pickford
Stones Maguire Dier
Walker Bertrand
Henderson Wilshere
Alli Sterling
Kane
Thank you very much for enduring this very long piece but I feel it is the best so far. If you enjoyed please share with whoever you feel comfortable as it does get the view count up, which for me is a big incentive. The previous edition got 250 people, can we beat that this time? I'd love to see it.
Comments
Post a Comment