England World Cup Squad

Thoughts on Gareth Southgates England squad;


Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jack Butland (Stoke), Nick Pope (Burnley)

Three decent keepers in their mid twenties, somewhat lacking in European football experience but given the choice Southgate had some solid picks.


Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Kieran Trippier, Danny Rose (all Tottenham), Harry Maguire (Leicester), Phil Jones (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Gary Cahill (Chelsea)

Has to be said a surprisingly decent selection of defenders. The right back position looks high quality, centrally the question is who does Southgate pick to play along Phil Jones. Left back looks a tad sticky but decent picks.


Midfielders: Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Eric Dier, Dele Alli (both Tottenham), Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young (both Man Utd), Fabian Delph (Man City), Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Chelsea),

Ashley Young is 32, how the hell did that happen?!?!?!?! Apart from Dele Alli its a bit dull to be honest. Lets not beat around the bush its all about Alli and can he link up with Kane the way he does with Spurs - something he has yet to do for England. As for the rest, its a collection of uninspired bodies.


Forwards: Raheem Sterling (Man City), Jamie Vardy (Leicester), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Danny Welbeck (Arsenal).

There are some good aspects of this attacking lineup that may be lost amongst the English. Kane and Sterling are on form and exciting. Vardy and Rashford are good cover although Welbeck is an inclusion who could be a contender to not actually get onto the pitch at any stage.


Summing Up

Its hard to see England doing much during this world cup, there is a potentially exciting front three in Sterling, Alli and Kane. Central defence next to Jones looks to be a problem, Stones would be my pick but he hasn't been an ever present this season. The full back position is very good and other countries would love to have these riches. Questions remain over the goal keeper, both contenders are rather limited at this level and European club football.

I can see England scoring goals which they have struggled to do in recent tournaments. In theory it should be all about the Belgian game, the group looks easier than four years ago when in Brazil when they had Italy and a dangerous Uruguay. Theres a common sense approach from Gareth Southgate that wasn't there in previous eras and I back England not to screw up against the so called minows they have in the past. Being in group G they will be playing a team from group H in the second round in what looks like a winable tie. If England can manage themselves, not recreate the mistakes of previous tournaments, or not underestimate the opposition I can see them going deep. It has to be said England do have a good draw but the question remains can they take advantage of it...