The Euro`s is soon upon us and the England team is looking stronger than it has been in years. Importantly, Harry Kane has been at his best for most of this season, similar to the likes of Luke Shaw and John Stones. England are brimming with quality all over the pitch, with the squad on paper looking as good as any other. With this plethora of talent you would think that this team would pick itself right? Well not exactly, as manager Gareth Southgate has a lot to think about. Especially in the attacking midfield roles. Considering England`s formation has been fairly interchangeable, the gaffer has many different options at his disposal in regards to the players selected and the positions which they can occupy. However, will sacrificing other positions cause disruption with the team’s chemistry or will the task be a bit too much for some of these young players to make the final cut?
Phil Foden
For a 19 year old to be arguably the stand out player for Manchester City in what has been a dominating season for them, Phil Foden should be a shoe in for the number 10 role in Southgate`s squad. Being one of the most in-form players in the Premier League, along with his impressive abilities on the ball, Phil Foden is being billed as the most exciting young prospect England has seen since Wayne Rooney in 2004. Although contributing to 11 goals in 22 appearances is good for any midfielder, there is so much more to this young man’s game. His on the ball talent could be crucial in a team where dribbling in and around players is usually kept to an uninspiring minimum, along with his ability to keep hold of the ball as the wingers and the striker push forward. Truly an exciting player and one that the England manager should utilise to the highest degree.
Mason Mount
In what has been a back and forth season for Chelsea FC, one consistent that has remained is the brilliance and reliability of Mason Mount. A noticeable favourite under Frank Lampard’s management, the most likely challenge to Phil Foden’s position is Mason Mount. Holding very similar attributes, his footballing intelligence is clear when on the ball, despite still being an inexperienced player in comparison to much of the England team.
Incredibly, he is rated so highly that there is discussion amongst England supporters as to if there is a world where both Foden and Mount can play together. To the delight of many, this is in fact possible. Another positive to Mount’s game is his ability to play on the left wing. Something we have seen on multiple occasions for Chelsea over the last season. This, however, brings further debate on who he replaces. With some of England’s most renowned talents dropping in form, from Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho, there is a strong likelihood that Gareth Southgate will consider freeing up a wing spot to fit in the West London talisman.
Jack Grealish
The third name that is commonly seen as a ‘must take’ is Aston Villa`s Jack Grealish. Despite being on the tip of relegation a year ago, the Villa star shone through and was considered by many as the most important factor for the West Midlands team’s survival in the Premier League. However, that was nothing to the form he has hit this season. With the team now sitting relatively comfortably in the top half of the table, the Birmingham native is still adored by Villa fans as their star man. With circulating rumours of interest from most top teams in the league, it is clear to see why he is considered a likely choice for the Euro`s call up. However, comments made by the England manager could give possible hints as to why this midfield maestro may be left out.
Gareth Southgate has told his players that ‘their off-field behaviour does come into his thinking when selecting them for England duty’. With multiple questions being asked about Grealish`s involvement in the Euro`s, this seems like a direct response to the Villa player. With court appearances and multiple charges of careless driving, this is the type of misdemeanors that Southgate would want to avoid before a major tournament. Nevertheless, many questions will be asked and many heads will be scratched if the England manager leaves Grealish out of his plans entirely.
Summary
Out of all the decisions a football manager has to make, picking the best out of 3 world class players is probably one of the more enjoyable to have. It all comes down to which style of play the manager believes the England team would perform better under.
An attacking style of play could fit at least two of the three players, with two centre midfield positions that are given the freedom to push forward. However, we have seen that Gareth Southgate prefers to play defensively with two holding midfielders, a position none of these three players could fulfill. This would leave only one spot for the players to compete for. The only other possibility would be if the usual in favour wingers were to be replaced with either Grealish or Mount, players that have established themselves as very capable of playing on the left wing. This outcome, however, is unlikely.
It is a tricky decision for Southgate, however, he will be all too aware that no matter what option he decides to go with, it will be met with plenty of criticism.
The Angry Spectator 