All being well, the Euro’s may well be taking place in just a few months from now. The delayed tournament still has many things left to be decided, and for English football fans, one big set of decisions is coming very soon… the squad for the tournament.

Every single tournament, fans tears shreds out of one-another debating who should make the plane. Should it be the guy who’s been in form the last 3 games, the experienced head, the teenage wildcard or every English player to be part of a top-4 side. Whatever your personal preference, unfortunately only one man can make the final calls. Hopefully whichever side makes it, will do us proud and take advantage of what genuinely feels like England’s strongest chance of winning something in a long, long time.

So, like many others around the country, I have a notes document on my phone where I’ve sketched out possible starting 11’s for the opener on the 13th of June, and as I’ve seen pretty much every person on the internet post theirs, I figures I would make a post about my starting 11. Now, as you will read shortly, there are some caveats to my picks, such as the opposition, the stage of the tournament and generally fitness and form. Personally, I think we have a strong enough group that we can switch players in and out against tougher opponents and more defensive tactics, compared to when England are considered favourites and can go all out attack. This is my generally strongest starting line-up, and I would love to hear what you think @NextGoalWinBlog on Twitter and what changes you might make.

Enjoy.

Wing-Backs: Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold

I’ve labelled these as wing-backs, however as was mentioned in part 1, this all depends on the opposition as to where these 2 play and what their instructions are. Both Shaw and TAA are incredible attackers and have shown in recent years that their chance creation is so dominant that for modern football this is the new benchmark for any full-back. As a result however, both have been criticised for their defensive frailties. Over previous seasons, Shaw has been exposed and with injuries and things has struggled to really find a rhythm until this season. Meanwhile, Trent is facing current criticisms for his defensive work and has made some big errors and having poor performances which has left some people not even including him in their squad selection. For me, I had to pick these two, as Shaw is the best in his position in the Premier League currently, and with Trent, his season in 2019-2020 completely changed the game and there is no way that this blip will not pass and he will return to the previous form in the near future. Most importantly however, when suggesting this formation, having the 3 centre-backs gives enough defensive coverage that really I would let these 2 bomb forward as much as possible. If they can communicate enough, one can get forward and the other could tuck in to form a defensive 4, however really unless we are playing France or Spain etc. England shouldn’t need to be defensive minded, and should be attacking and getting crosses into the box whenever possible. Therefore, by playing them as wing-backs, I am actually hoping for them to become mainly used as wide midfielders and given complete control of their respective side.

The stats behind selecting these two are fairly straight forward. Shaw is set to play the most games in a season of his entire career to date, putting aside injury and reliability concerns, while his current season performances are some of the finest of his whole time at United. He is one of the leading crossers, chance creators and influential players at his club and in the league, has 6 assists, averages 1.8 key passes per game and also is averaging 1.6 crosses per 90 minutes. Meanwhile, for TAA, the stats are slightly disappointing by his own standards set in 2019-2020, however even in this “poor” season for the young man, he also has 6 assists, is averaging 1.7 key passes per game and 1.3 crosses per 90 minutes. Although his overall influence and performances are worse than they have been previously, and his defensive credentials are still under review, he looks dangerous when going forward and might be almost Beckham-esque levels of crossing and hitting crosses from seemingly nowhere. Therefore, between the two, the 3 attackers can get into the box and try and take advantage of these 2 providers.

Alternative: Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Aaron Wan-Bissaka Although Shaw has been in incredible form, and the Trent of 2019-2020 is unplayable, there is so much contention over these 2 spots, as Shaw has obviously had injury concerns that may flare up in a crucial moment, while as mentioned previously TAA is having a bit of a nightmare few months. Therefore, Southgate must take a backup in these roles, as my formation and preferred tactics would have these spots being so important to the attacking phases of play. Additionally, the alternatives I have suggested all could realistically have a claim for being better than Shaw and TAA. Chilwell is having a very impressive yet underrated season with 6 assists, and having around 1 cross and key pass per game, however he perhaps might not be as effective in this role as Shaw would be, and would be preferred as part of a 4. What helps Chilwell is that he is on Southgate’s nice-list as he played the full 90 minutes England’s recent matches versus San Marino and Poland. With Reece James, many have put him ahead of TAA, as he offers much more in defensive phases with extra physicality and can still be an attacking threat with 6 assists this season. James is another one who is slowly edging into Southgate’s plans as he was a part of the recent England squads, and is proving himself to be useful for Tuchel at his club. Finally, we have the more wildcard choice of Wan-Bissaka, who I have put ahead of Trippier primarily due to having more playing time this season under his belt. AWB would be a perfect replacement for TAA, as he likes to get forward and although his final ball isn’t quite at the level of Trent’s, he possesses the best tracking back and recovery style I’ve seen from any of these choices. The reputation he has at United is that nobody can pass him, which is often shown to be true as he makes things difficult for even the most talented wingers. AWB could be the ideal man for facing the likes of Mbappe and it could create a fantastic battle with Walker offering support if beaten for pace. He is the least talked about option for England in the discussions I have seen/heard, however for me I think it’s a wasted opportunity to ignore AWB. A combination of these 5 players can give England a 3, 4 or 5 man defence, and simultaneously offer up to a 5 or 6 man attacking onslaught.

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Mason Mount

These 2 are just destined to play together, and with Chelsea showing they’re prepared to splash out big money on players, the Euro’s might be showing Chelsea fans a glimpse of their future as Rice and Mount line up together in the central midfield roles this summer. It’s potentially a bold decision to put faith in two younger talents in the middle of the park, however these lads have been two of the players of the season thus far, and Mount is taking worldwide plaudits with his performances in Europe while Rice is being eyed up by some of Europe’s biggest sides. Additionally, pairing these up solves a big issue that England have suffered with in previous generations by having players who don’t play well together or can’t link up. Rice and Mount have been playing football together for most of their lives, growing up in youth sides together, while their playing styles compliment one-another perfectly and fit the formation and playing system I would want England to operate with. Rice, the more defensive minded player who has played CB on many occasions can switch between the more adventurous defenders in Walker, Stones and Maguire, and could even drop back fully to create a 4/5 man defence. Having CBs who all enjoy bringing the ball out and starting attacking phases, and a defensive minded midfielder, the switch and cover can be used effectively, while offering extra defensive cover during phases of attacking play from top opposition. Mount then counters this by being a link up from defense to attack, being more attack minded and having finishing and chance creation as his key attributes. If the CBs are bringing the ball out, and Kane is playing more of a false 9 role, Mount is a great option to take the ball into the oppositions half and eye up a key pass out wide, or switching between the 3 in-front to stretch defenders, and make man-marking a nightmare task. Admittedly, I haven’t seen as many full performances from Mount to give a true idea of what he brings, however the idea of those 2 linking up in the midfield for England just feels right. My only issue that I can envisage from this formation and selection in the midfield, is that its heavily either attacking or defending, and there is no Henderson or JWP who could possibly hold the ball and maintain possession. Over 90 minutes against tougher opponents, this could cause issues if they lose the possession battle in the midfield, however again this starting XI is so flexible in their current setup that you could easily stick in another central midfielder, and balance things up in the midfield areas. Despite this, against the group opponents, England shouldn’t be setting up to sit back and hold the ball, and should come out of the gates attacking and pushing forward. The opponents are obviously going to increase in difficulty, however on paper, these 2 in midfield should have little/no issues through the group games to dominate the midfield.

Alternative: Jordan Henderson, James Ward-Prowse, Kalvin Phillips, Jude Bellingham The choices I’ve made for these positions are where I am most confident in my picks being the best choices for success, however I know Southgate will likely opt for a more experienced head in the form of Henderson or even possibly Dier. My previous reasoning have stated why I think Rice and Mount will support the flexible and fluid tactic between attack and defence, however as I also mentioned, there will be occasions where another man is needed in the centre of the park to sure things up. Therefore, I would be certainly bringing at least 2/3 of the alternatives suggested to provide that different option and playing styles. From my starting XI, it would be simple enough to bring TAA off, convert to a back 4 and stick Henderson in the midfield to sure things up, or stick JWP in if there are set piece opportunities being squandered and even Bellingham if there is the need for some extra flair and attacking support. I think it’s near impossible to take 6 central midfielders, meaning probably Bellingham might not make the cut with his opportunity coming next time, and then either JWP or Phillips may just miss the cut depending on selections elsewhere. Either way, again looking purely on paper at the names being selected, the midfield battle should be where England are calm, controlled and determined. I want to see my central midfielders dragging the side through games, calming things in the closing stages and being the on-field leaders which I think Rice and then possibly Henderson could do with ease.

Wingers: Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho

I am once again torn on this choice and despite having to select 2 wingers, I would like to see Southgate rotating these roles throughout the tournament, allowing for resting at the end of what will be a long season, offers a quick change and freshen up if the starting wingers aren’t getting any joy and keeps opposition defenders unsure on what they will be facing. England are in a unique position for the nation of having 3/4 genuine world class attacking players who can play wide or even come narrower to form a front 2/3. All of these selection choices are in decent form, are fearless in big games and bring their own talents.

I’ve selected perhaps a more unique choice of Foden on the left and Sancho on the right, either side of the striker. My reasons for picking these over all the other options are simply that I think these 2 players are in the best form of their career. Foden is under the tutelage of the current greatest manager and coach in football, resulting in exponential growth in his form and talent, while Sancho had been in top form all season, and despite an injury keeping him on the sidelines currently, when the Euro’s role around, I predict he will be back to his high standards as usual. Pre-Christmas, I wouldn’t have put Foden on the left hand side, however seeing him play this role for City in their recent matches, he slots in perfectly and his attacking play is magical to watch. He is playing with the confidence that allows him to just weave through defenders like he’s playing in the park with his mates. To leave him out of the starting XI in his current form would be risking leaving out one of Europe’s top attacking talents and could come back to bite Southgate. With regards to Sancho, he has bagged 13 goals and contributed 13 assists in 38 appearances this season alone. Through his 130 appearances across 3 and a half seasons, he has 41 goals and 50 assists, putting his numbers up there with some of the Worlds’ finest. While I understand he has been out of action for a few weeks recently, he is one of England’s most exciting players that I have seen. Additionally, with Sancho, he is playing every week alongside a target-man central striker in Haaland, and this style of playing will transfer quite nicely and easily to Kane, who is equally as lethal in front of goal. The left hand side is probably more up for contention, however Foden is England’s most in-form and impressive player of 2021, making him impossible to leave out. On the right, Sancho is just much better for me than the alternatives and could create a trophy-winning partnership with Kane, the Haaland figure for Sancho, and the Son figure for Kane. In this front 3, with defensive security behind, can focus on pure attack, can be expressive, fluid in their movement and be focussed on expressing their attacking talent, resulting in goals and wins.

Alternative: Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling I may be alone in not selecting Rashford or Grealish, and as much as it pains me to leave Rashford out of this side, he seems to have been playing with injuries and knocks all season, meaning he shouldn’t be pushed too far this summer and instead used sporadically as a fantastic back-up for Foden if Southgate wants to change the system up slightly or even move Foden through the middle and put Rashford out wide. With regards to Grealish, he would be 100% in the starting XI if England had a formation allowing for an attacking central midfielder, however in the formation I would start with, the play is mainly running through the wings. With the other suggestions of Lingard and Sterling, these are the players who Southgate loves to have in the squad, and while Lingard has been in-form for West Ham, I would be limiting him to perhaps cameo roles or as useful back-up for injuries. Sterling unfortunately isn’t quite doing enough for me to earn his starting spot, and while also perhaps contradicting myself, I wouldn’t leave him at home. At City, despite their missing main striker, and being part of England’s most dominant sides this season, Sterling is failing to capitalise in his surroundings, and has been lacking the final part of his game to take chances. For a player of his quality in the club he plays for, it shouldn’t be unrealistic to expect 20+ goals if not even pushing 25-30, however he is only at 9 league goals for the season thus far. When comparing those 2 to the likes of Foden, Sancho, Rashford and Grealish, it doesn’t quite provide the same levels of excitement and expectation.

Striker: Harry Kane

This is a selection that needs little/no explanation, so I will try and keep it brief. Destined to become England’s top scorer of all-time, destined to become the Premier League’s top scorer of all-time (transfer permitting) and destined to be England’s hero this summer? Well, I can’t guarantee the last one, but the other 2 facts are almost a formality, and will be occurring in the coming years should he remain fit and in the Premier League. He’s the closest England player to be a genuine World beater, he would walk into any club side in the World and if he starts adding trophies to his individual accolades by possibly making a move away from Tottenham and with England this summer, he must be in contention for Ballon d’Or’s and top-recognition.

Having 20+ goals in the last 7 seasons, he has shone for Tottenham, and even last season with a fairly disappointing league finish and missing games through injury, Kane still managed to bag 24 goals from 34 games while also developing his game to another level by dropping deeper and becoming more involved in chance creation. I do really think now is the time to move on from Spurs, as despite Mourinho helping him to develop his playing style by dropping deeper and adding assists and occasional defensive duties to his game, being at Tottenham will prevent him from becoming a consistent 30+ goal scorer each season as those around him are unfortunately not playing at his level. At age 27 he is hitting his career peak, meaning he shouldn’t wait around for this project that Tottenham are supposedly working on, and cash in statistically by winning trophies and playing with those around him who will ensure he can score freely. I think it may be Manchester City where he is best suited to do this, and it will push him to another dimension, however just going back to England, he should be the main man, and should be told to play the way he is at Spurs, with wingers supporting in attack and allowing him to drop deeper as a false-nine. In 2018 he was the World Cup golden boot winner, and I think if England are to succeed this summer, they need something similar from Kane again.

Alternative: Danny Ings, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Patrick Bamford The striker position is all wrapped-up quite simply, and whatever formation Southgate opts for, it will almost-certainly be a lone striker played through the centre, meaning the back-up options can possibly be more experimental. The main options are the 3 that I have suggested, and I think maybe 2 of these will make the cut. Ings is a finisher, and so it may be that if England are creating chances but not putting them away, he could be introduced to bury those chances. DCL would be my personal choice for the back-up, as he has impressed me every time I have watched him play, and most importantly in my thinking, he is used to playing alongside Richarlison, which means that if England need to throw another striker alongside Kane, DCL is familiar with being part of a duo up-top and won’t struggle to slot in to a 2-man strike-force. Finally, we have Bamford, who like the other 2, feels deserving of a call-up after the season he has had. I think Bamford would bring some of that Bielsa spirit which England often need when things aren’t going their way, they need the fight, energy and attacking determination that could get them over the line. Ultimately, whichever options Southgate chooses, there is no wrong answer here. His choice will obviously anger the supporters of either Southampton, Everton or Leeds, however for the England side as a whole, Kane is the main man, and the alternatives are all having decent seasons, are reliable and could do a job. I wouldn’t feel too confident with any of these 3 leading the line without Kane, however as long as those around the striker create enough chances, any of these 3 will be good enough.

Don’t forget to check out part 1 of this post if you are looking for the full line-up, and let us know what you think @NextGoalWinBlog on Twitter.