Wipe the tears from your eyes football fans, the first international break of the season is upon us whether we like it or not. Mercifully, the entertainment value of the men’s national team has taken a turn for the better since the likes of Danny Welbeck and (dare I say it) Adam Johnson were doing their best to inject some excitement into dull Wembley evenings. Fresh faces have brightened up the squad in recent years, and here we take a look at how we could line up against Bulgaria on Saturday.
Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford
This one needs no debating. Although capable deputies are at the ready in the form of Tom Heaton and Nick Pope, the hot-headed Geordie has cemented the number one jersey as his own since his heroics in Russia. Still fairly young for a ‘keeper at 25-years-old, his game is not without flaws but Southgate clearly sees him as one for now and the future. I wonder where he wants his statue?
Right Back – Trent Alexander-Arnold
Imagine a 25-man England squad where last season’s domestic treble winner Kyle Walker is not selected. That is the scale of the dilemma that Gareth Southgate faces in the right back position. There are worse problems to have I suppose, and 20-year-old Champions League winner Trent Alexander-Arnold is, in my book, England’s hottest prospect. With fellow youngster Aaron Wan-Bissaka pulling out of the squad due to a back injury, the way is paved for Trent to really lay claim to the right back position and I expect to see him line up there on Saturday.
Centre Back – Harry Maguire
True to the song, his head really is very, very large. The one Jamie Vardy has branded ‘slab head’ really has become a fan favourite not only for his performances at the World Cup, but for how he has kicked on since. He is the perfect blend of the old-school and new-school centre back, physical and commanding yet a ballerina on the ball. I expect him to be in this England line-up for years to come and his solid start to the season should mean that Saturday is no different.
Centre Back – Michael Keane
Granted, if John Stones was not out injured and Joe Gomez had played more football in the past 12 months then this selection may have been different. By contrast, Michael Keane has appeared in every game for Everton so far this season and is beginning to warm the hearts of the fans, therefore the United academy product is likely to line up alongside Maguire to win his 8th England cap. Having said this, Tyrone Mings has been formidable at the back for Aston Villa since he joined so the pressure will be on for Keane to perform.
Left Back – Ben Chilwell
If we are talking about England’s best XI then Chilwell makes it in there without a doubt. The Leicester youngster has looked a class act in his 7 caps so far and many have tipped him to go right to the top of the game. However, Chilwell started the season with an injury and is only just coming back to full fitness, whereas Danny Rose has been involved in all of Tottenham’s fixtures including the high pressure North London derby last weekend. You would imagine the pair would each get a run out over the two forthcoming qualifiers, but my bets would be on Chilwell starting against Bulgaria as the more dangerous of the two fixtures.
Centre Defensive Midfield – Declan Rice
With Eric Dier out injured you would imagine that Rice is a safe bet to anchor the England midfield. His haircut is an apt visual metaphor for himself as a player; solid, sturdy and does the job with no messing about. His passes safely get to the intended player, he’s not shy of a tackle, and having snubbed the Republic of Ireland after making two friendly appearances he has made the perfect start to becoming an England fan favourite.
Centre Midfield – Jordan Henderson
Not many would have called it back in 2011 when he joined Liverpool, but more than 300 reds appearances and 50 caps later he is one of the leaders of the England dressing room. The simple fact is that Henderson’s top level pedigree makes him very difficult for Gareth Southgate to leave out. Indeed, if the gaffer decides to take a more positive approach against a team like Bulgaria then there is a plethora of silkier alternatives. Harry Winks has made a cracking start to the season at Tottenham so may count himself unlucky not to get the nod, but ultimately my money is on Hendo.
Centre Midfield – James Maddison
There is plenty of competition for centre midfield spots in the England setup, particularly those of a more attacking persuasion which makes this prediction perhaps the most speculative. With the likes of Oxlade-Chamberlain, Barkley and Mason Mount all competing with Maddison to be the creator of the midfield three, Southgate has a tough job on his hands deciding which one gets the nod. Mount is in with a real chance after his flying start under Frank Lampard which has seen him bag two goals in his first four games. However, owing to his long-term Premier League consistency and lengthy apprenticeship served in the U21s, 22-year-old James Maddison may just get his long-awaited chance.
Left Wing – Raheem Sterling
As we transition to the front three, Southgate’s decisions start to get easier. Raheem Sterling, still just 24-years-old has begun to truly fulfil his potential in the past two years. With his poor England form seemingly consigned to history (or so fans hope) after his hat-trick against Czech Republic, Sterling is cementing himself as one of England’s heavy hitters. With 54 goals in 102 games for Manchester City since the start of 2017/18, including 6 in his first 5 this term, he is one of only two real world class presences in the England XI. Can you guess who the other is?
Striker – Harry Kane
26-year-old Kane is entering the prime of his career, and due to his game relying on everything but pace we could see him flying high for many years to come. The Spurs star is already off to a flyer this season with 3 in his first 4 games, and he will surely fancy adding to his tally of 22 England goals against the likes of Bulgaria and Kosovo as he chases down Wayne Rooney’s record total. Callum Wilson has started the season well for Bournemouth but the England captain is a dead cert up top.
Right Wing – Jadon Sancho
For 19-year-old Jadon Sancho to go abroad and establish himself as a regular starter for a club like Borussia Dortmund is phenomenal. As a player that many Brits would love to return to the Premier League, the only time many of us get to watch him is on the England stage. His performances in the Bundesliga demand a starting spot in Southgate’s front three, and with 3 goals in his first 5 games this season he will be keen to capitalise on that goalscoring form to notch his first goal for the three lions.
STARTING XI
GK: Pickford
RB: Alexander-Arnold
CB: Keane
CB: Maguire
LB: Chilwell
CM: Henderson
CDM: Rice
CM: Maddison
RW: Sancho
ST: Kane
LW: Sterling
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