GARETH SOUTHGATE somehow needs to pick a 23-man squad for this summer’s rearranged Euro 2020 tournament.
And then he will be tasked with narrowing that down a starting XI to face Croatia on June 13.
Gareth Southgate has plenty of selection headaches between now and June 12 – but Mason Mount is sure to be securing of the 11 starting spots against CroatiaCredit: Reuters
Between now and then, there will be plenty of factors to consider – not least form and injuries.
But here are five players we think should, as things stand, definitely be lining up at Wembley that afternoon…
MASON MOUNT
Mason Mount has been Chelsea’s player of the season and proved in recent weeks he is not in the team just because Frank Lampard liked him.
The 22-year-old is a truly gifted footballer, has an eye for goal as he showed at Anfield and can play in midfield or, like under Thomas Tuchel, off a central striker.
England have the bizarre predicament of having so many creative playmakers – Mount, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and James Maddison could all argue their case for a starting spot.
It will be interesting to see how Southgate tries to solve this conundrum but on current form and fitness, Mount gets the nod.
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NICK POPE
Southgate’s call over his goalkeeper this summer remains an ongoing debate.
Jordan Pickford has tournament experience, is better with his feet, has never let the Three Lions boss down – and even scored a penalty for his country.
But his inconsistency this season cannot be overlooked – he is prone to an error, such as the calamity moment in front of the England gaffer against Leicester, whereas Nick Pope has been superb.
This season, no English goalkeeper has more Premier League clean sheets (nine) and only Sam Johnstone at relegation-threatened West Brom has more saves than Pope’s tally of 98 – at a rate of 76.4 per cent compared to Pickford’s 71.3.
JOHN STONES
Who would have thought a year ago John Stones should start for England at the Euros? The ex-Toffee was frozen out at Manchester City with midfielder Fernandinho preferred in defence by Pep Guardiola.
A transfer away failed to materialise but he forced himself back into contention, partnering Ruben Dias in emphatic fashion with Aymeric Laporte watching on from the sidelines.
The 26-year-old is even adding goals to his game and should certainly be adding to his 39 caps, the last of which was won back in November 2019.
John Stones is the most in-form England centre-back at the moment as he charges towards the Premier League titleCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
LUKE SHAW
Another player who must have thought the ship of their international career had sailed is Luke Shaw – now the Manchester United left-back is certainly pushing for a recall.
He has not featured for England since September 2018 but will be confident of adding to his eight international appearances.
Ben Chilwell appeared the runaway first choice for Southgate however Shaw may capitalise on a dip for the ex-Leicester man.
The Red Devils staved off the threat of Alex Telles and Brandon Williams to put in fine performances this season – he has five league assists and the most chances created of any English defender this term.
Luke Shaw’s most-recent cap ended with the left-back being stretchered off against Spain in September 2018Credit: Reuters
DECLAN RICE
It was tempting to go for either Marcus Rashford or Jadon Sancho to join Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling in attack – but there is no clear choice when trying to decide between them.
So a safer bet is Declan Rice in the base of Southgate’s midfield.
Not only has the West Ham stand-in captain played every minute in the Premier League this season, he is playing a key role in the Hammers’ surprise European charge.
And when you consider Jordan Henderson will have missed a crucial part of the run-in as he recovers from surgery, there is even greater importance on the 22-year-old to be orchestrating in the midfield – alongside his best-mate Mount.
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Close pals Mount and Declan Rice would love to line up together for their country at this summer’s tournamentCredit: Rex Features
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
