Gareth Southgate starting to trim the squad and Serbia first up for Engerrrlund on Sunday 16th June - but what's your strongest team from the likely final squad - the one that you would like to see play the final in the unlikely event that we get there? I'd go. Pickford (although he does worry me at times) Walker (need his speed) Branthwaite Stones TAA (with caveat that Mainoo helps to bale him out defensively) Rice Mainoo Bellingham Grealish Kane Eze Harsh on Foden, Palmer and Saka I know ... but ...
Leaving both Foden and Saka out is beyond mental. Foden has just come off his best season and Saka has been one of England's best players for a good few years now. A front four of Kane, Foden, Saka and Bellingham is the best is the tournament comfortably imo.
For me Eze has that x factor ... as does Grealish to a degree ... hence why I've gone for them either side of Kane ... and Kane ain't actually won owt to date! .. and didn't your 'best front 4' come up short at the last World Cup? As to the best front 4 in this tournament - suspect France might wish to argue ...
Mainoo doesn't strike me as being that good defensively but more importantly who the **** is playing LB in your team ?
Pickford Walker Stones Branthwaite Shaw (if fit) Rice the 3rd midfielder is tricky Taa , Mainoo , Gallagher Palmer Foden Eze Bellingham Saka Kane Foden
Did have Shaw there but no guarantee he'd be fit (and Trippier ain't a natural left back) - so would play Walker on the left with TAA on the right ... Who would you play on the left if Shaw doesn't make it?
I can see a world where Palmer is left out, because Foden and Bellingham can both play in that position and are both more established for England and proven on the international stage. However, no way in a million years Gareth drops Foden and Saka. Not just because it would be stupid, but because Southgate rarely deviates from his tried and tested picks. Its far too early for Mainoo as well, as great as he has been. Unless he pulls a Michael Owen and dazzles as a sub and makes it impossible for Southgate to leave him out, and even then.....Southgate is a stickler for his chosen boys.
Can't argue with that - and I was playing devil's advocate somewhat ... apart from the fact that I do think Eze is a potential game changer and a very exciting prospect ...
personally would want Wharton in the squad as imo best cover for Rice from the admittedly tiny amount we have seen of him but can't see it happening .
neither is walker but at least Trippier has a recent record of playing LB unlike Walker. Personally surprised Livramento wasn't in squad unless he is injured as well
For me, Walker's pace can get him out of trouble - and he's at the top of his game, as his performance in the cup final showed - completely nullifying Marcus Rashford...
If I went 4 2 3 1 Gareth style I would be playing; Pickford Walker (RB) Branthwaite Maguire (because you know he just will) Shaw (LB) Rice & Mainoo, double pivot whatever he calls it. Palmer on right Bellingham at 10 Foden on left Kane
Grealish had 3 goals and 3 assists all season. Theres no way he should be starting over the likes of Foden. Id even play Anthony Gordon over him if i had my way. Hes one of the most over rated players in the Premiership.
