FIFA World Cup 2018: England

The moans and groans of the most optimistic England supporter are being heard loud and clear with many focusing on the lack of creativity in England’s midfield. Many are bemoaning the lack of experience in Ruben Loftus Cheek (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Leicester City) and Jesse Lingard (Manchester United) but they are the same supporters who criticised Roy Hodgson for not taking a chance on English youngsters.

The scenario is very similar to before one of England’s most successful tournament in recent history Euro 96. Alan Shearer hadn’t scored an international goal in two years and many questioned the inclusion of Gary Neville, Phil Neville and Sol Campbell. History speaks for itself and with Gareth Southgate being a key player in that squad there is no reason not to be encouraged by this young England team

This is the third youngest squad England have ever taken to a tournament with Gary Cahill (Chelsea) providing some tournament experience to the promising group of young players. Starting in goal Jordan Pickford (Everton) is likely to be first choice with Jack Butland (Stoke) providing close competition. Pickford’s fine distribution will be key to England’s DNA which has been established over the past few years of controlling possession and games.

In front of Pickford, Gareth Southgate will deploy ball-playing centre-backs which will suit the style of John Stones (Manchester City) perfectly who during the early part of Manchester City’s triumphant title season was key to imprinting Pep Guardiola’s style. Each side of the three centre back’s Gareth Southgate has his closest selection headache. Wing backs will be crucial to England’s formation and Trent Alexander Arnold’s (Liverpool) form taking him to a Champions League final could just pip Kieran Trippier (Tottenham) who has performed well in warm-up games.

In central midfield Eric Dier (Tottenham) will likely be deployed alongside potential captain Jordan Henderson providing protection and looking to retain possession. Other options include the creative spark of Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Crystal Palace) and Dele Alli (Tottenham), who is likely to play further forward in the number 10 role with one of Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) or Jesse Lingard (Manchester United).

That leaves England’s talisman Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur) fresh of a 30 goal Premier League season to lead the front line with Jamie Vardy (Leicester City) providing back up and in certain games could be deployed as a defensive forward to nullify any build up play.

Squad

Coach: Gareth Southgate

Goalkeepers

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

Defenders

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

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)

Forwards

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

Tactics

England’s go to formation will be 3-5-2, replicating Terry Venable’s famous Christmas tree formation during the Euro 96. Gareth Southgate will be flexible and may even adapt the formation to be a 3-4-3 allowing Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling to play alongside Harry Kane in a fluid front three with the width being provided by wing backs ahead of the ball playing back three.

The biggest challenge for Gareth Southgate is not how England will control possession but how they will provide penetrative passes to get chances for the ever-green Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling. Dele Alli can provide that creative spark but if the transitions from defence to midfield are slow, he may not receive the ball quick enough to provide the required service.