Wearing Southgate’s Waistcoat

2018 and the World Cup of that summer will live long in the memories of England fans. A largely unfancied squad took the country on a journey with many highs to the semi-finals. At the end of the tournament the consensus was that Russia 2018 was the first step on the ladder to winning a major tournament. The squad that departed Russia was almost exclusively under the age of 30, and so bar the likes of Ashley Young and Gary Cahill, would be available for the next few tournaments. Prior to World Cup 2018 England were no expected to prosper, but the development of a 3-5-2 formation with two attacking midfielders and seen a settled side produce the best World Cup showing by an England team since 1990. With two years until the Euro’s, Gareth Southgate was expected to solidify the England formation, style and personnel so that they could approach Euro 2020 as genuine contenders.

As it stands now, the Euros are still a year away thanks to Covid-19, and that extra year could be crucial to Southgate as the two years since the World Cup have not gone according to plan. It is testament to Southgate that in those two years his side managed a 3rd placed finish in the Nations League and qualified in style from their group for Euro 2020. However, in terms of formation, and playing personnel there is much work for Southgate to do if he wants to arrive at next summer’s tournament with a chance of winning it.

Here I will take a look at the squad and the possibilities Southgate has to consider before next summer,

Goalkeepers

J. Pickford

Pickford left the World Cup in 2018 as the undisputed England number one. His star was in the ascendancy after a tournament in which he cemented a previously up for grabs slot with a memorable penalty save in the shoot out against Colombia and several other eye-catching performances in the knockout stages. However, since then Pickford has failed to reach the same heights on a consistent basis. For England there have been occasional lapses of concentration whilst for Everton there have been many errors which have drawn the attention of the media. For now, I expect Pickford to remain as number one, but if he begins the 2020/21 season with the type of errors that littered his performances at the end of the previous season then Southgate will find it difficult not to make a change.

N. Pope

Nick Pope has probably been the number two keeper for England since 2018. A late call up into the world cup squad, he has since cemented his place with the national team with consistent performances at club level with his side Burnley. His quality was enough to see a fellow England contender Tom Heaton, sold to Aston Villa. Last season Pope recorded 15 clean sheets, second only to Ederson of Manchester City, as he laid his claim to be England number one. Barring injury I would expect Pope to be a nailed on squad selection, however I think he may struggle to claim the number one jersey. Southgate’s England rely on a goalkeeper to be adept with his feet and distribution of the ball is vitally important. At club level Burnley do not play with the same style and a keeper’s distribution is more long range. Whether Pope has the ability to match Pickford’s distribution is one thing, getting the chance to demonstrate it on a consistent basis is another.

J. Butland

Butland was the third of the keepers in the 2018 squad, but despite once being tipped as future number one, his career has been on the decline since. Following Stoke’s relegation in 2018 Butland was expected to be transferred back to the Premier League but a move never materialised. Getting into the England squad while playing at Championship level, while not impossible, is extremely tough. Butland kept his squad place initially, but a drop in his club form saw him first lose his place in the England squad, and then his Stoke starting spot. There are not an abundance of English keepers around so he remains an option, but it would take a number of injuries to his competitors before Butland sees England action again.

T. Heaton

In the build up to 2018 Tom Heaton was a regular squad member for England. A high performer for his club over the course of a few seasons, Heaton was a steady and experiences goalkeeping option. However, a serious injury saw him miss the world cup, and eventually lose his place in the Burnley goal to Nick Pope. A move to Aston Villa allowed him to become a number one again, but another injury curtailed his season early last year. If Heaton can regain form and fitness, Southgate know he is a reliable option for a place in his squad.

D. Henderson

Dean Henderson is the most interesting of the goalkeeping options England currently have, and his situation could well decide the starting keeper in Euro 2020 and the back-ups. Fresh from a great season with Sheffield Utd, Henderson has been lauded by many pundits as the best English keeper. However, this praise and publicity has drawn the attention of his parent club Manchester Utd who have rewarded him a with a new contract and indicated that he will be part of their squad next season. If Henderson can displace David De Gea as Man Utd number one then he will surely take the same role with England. In order to overtake De Gea, he will have to show the same form as last season wile adapting to the challenges that come with being between the sticks for one of the biggest clubs in the world, this will be enough to see him grab the England starting jersey. However, if he doesn’t displace De Gea, he faces the prospect of very little action at all in the 2020/21 season and would seriously jeopardise his chances of inclusion in the Euro 2020 squad. My view is that despite De Gea’s poor form last season, he remains one of the best in the world, on a huge contract and will retain his place next season. This means Henderson will be fighting Heaton for an England squad place, with Southgate having the option of giving experience to a future number one in Henderson, or taking the experience of Heaton in case he is required.

My GK selection

Number One – Pickford

Back Up – Pope

3rd Choice – Henderson

Right Backs

K. Walker

Kyle Walker has been arguably England’s first choice right back for the last five years, but in recent times a combination of improved competition, a loss of form and some discipline issues have seen him not only lose his place in the team but also in the squad. Walker’s strengths lie in his experience – 49 caps, his pace which so often gets him and the team out of trouble, and vitally his ability to play on the right side of a back three. In 2018 Walker fulfilled that role with relative success, and it is no coincidence that he returned to the most recent squad at a time when Southgate revealed the possibility of returning to a back three. The wide centre back is a unique position and England are not overloaded with options for the right sided role, none of the other right backs that England possess would be able to adapt to that role. However, against Walkers inclusion are question marks over his discipline on and off the field. Southgate places a massive emphasis on good characters and Walker has probably sent more time that Southgate would like on the front pages and across social media. Added to that was his reckless red card on his return to the team against Iceland. With the back three in Southgate’s plans, a focused Walker is a definite option but you feel he is on his final warning.

K. Tripper

The outstanding find of the 2018 World Cup, Kieran Trippier made the right back berth his own. Sound defensively and with quality set piece delivery, he was a vital part of the 2018 success. However, since then he has arguably lost his way slightly. A contract dispute at Spurs saw him in and out of the team and eventually he found himself out of the England squad. A move to Atletico Madrid has revitalised him and it is no surprise that he has forced his way back into the international set up. Working with Diego Simeone has improved his defensive work and he fully deserved his recall. Forced into action at left back against Iceland, Tripper is versatile enough to cover that position if required but he will be looking to cement his place at right back in the build up to the Euro’s.

T. Alexander-Arnold

Ask any Liverpool fan and Trent should be the England right back for the next 15 years. It is difficult to argue with that view when you witness the level of performances, he has displayed over the last two or three seasons. His delivery from both open play and set pieces is exceptional and to consistently lead the assists table from a right back position is impressive. However, question marks remain over his defensive work both positionally and in one v one situations. At club level he benefits from playing for a team that enjoy large spells of possession, who hunt the ball down in opposition territory, and who have Fabinho, one of the world’s best defensive midfielders able to cover for him so his defensive requirements are far less than when he plays for England. There is no doubting his attacking work, but do England require an attacking, creative right back, or a defensively sound one?

A.Wan-Bissaka

Since breaking into the Crystal Palace team at a young age Wan-Bissaka was tipped for the top, and a multi-million pound move to Man Utd followed. Yet to fully establish himself at international level, Wan-Bissaka is definitely a future England regular, with his ability to defend in one v one situations particularly strong. However, his positional play is very suspect, and his delivery from the right side is inconsistent. I would describe Wan-Bissaka as raw at the moment, and therefore is at least fourth in the pecking order at right back, an area where England have many options.

My RB selection

1st Choice – T Alexander-Arnold

Back Up – K Trippier

Left Backs

B. Chilwell

Helped by his move to Chelsea, Ben Chilwell is clearly Southgate’s preferred option at left back, an area where England lack strength, especially compared to right back. Chilwell has been consistent for England in the Nations League and Euro qualifying campaigns without setting the world alight. He may not have the pace or assisting capabilities of the right back options but he is a steady and reliable prescence at left back, and one of Southgate’s easiest selections. The move to Chelsea will give exposure to Champions League football next season and again barring injury, he will line up at left back for England at the Euro’s next summer.

L. Shaw

The next cab off the rank in the left back area is probably Luke Shaw. Following his impressive club form at the start of the 2018/19 season he regained a spot in the national team but injures prevented any sort of chance to make the spot is own. Since then, his club form has not reached the heights it had previously and his apparent lack of fitness at times is a concern. He may benefit from the lack of competition at left back to make the squad, but I think he will be focused on trying to maintain his club spot before any international claims.

D. Rose

The back up left back at the 2018 World Cup, Rose was used sparingly as Ashley Young’s understudy. Another player who lost his way at Tottenham, and then subsequently lost his England place. A genuine squad contender if he rediscovers his best form, but the fact he didn’t make the squad for the Iceland game even with Chilwell and Shaw injured suggests his England days may be over.

R. Bertrand

The same could be said for Ryan Bertrand. A squad member at Euro 2016, and still a regular in the Premier League for Southampton, he is obviously not a favourite of Southgate. My feeling is England will only take one left back to the Euro’s and use other squad members to provide cover. You feel that Bertrand will only have a chance if Chilwell, Shaw and Rose are all injured.

A.Maitland-Niles

Another player who may benefit from a switch to three at the back, as, despite being a central midfielder by trade, Maitland-Niles can play right or left wing back. Called into the most recent squad on the back of two impressive performances in the FA Cup final and Community Shield, he would be as useful squad member at a tournament due to his versatility. Widely tipped to be on the move to Wolves, this is a crucial season for Maitland-Niles, whether he stays at Arsenal or moves to Wolves he needs to be getting regular first team football. Next summer will probably come too soon for him but definitely an England player for the future.

My LB selection

1st choice - B Chilwell

Centre Backs

H. Maguire

Probably the first choice centre back for Gareth Southgate as things stand. Maguire made the move to Man Utd and became captain on the back of a breakthrough World Cup in 2018 where he played on the left of a back three. An authoritative presence in the air in both boxes and underrated with the ball at his feet, although he lacks pace when exposed to one v ones. The concern with Maguire is when full backs push on in a back four and he is left vulnerable to balls and runs down the side of him. In a back three he is less exposed and I am more comfortable seeing him in that formation. However, his recent personal problems in Greece aside, I would be extremely surprised to see him anywhere but the starting line up for the opening game of the Euro’s.

J. Gomez

The curious case of Joe Gomez. When Liverpool were pairing Lovren or Matip with Van Dijk, then Gomez was going to be the answer when he returned from injury. When England were pairing Stones and Maguire, Gomez was supposedly waiting in the wings to ‘make the difference’. There is no doubt that Gomez has ability, however his performances for both club and country are punctuated with poor decision making, and lapses in concentration. He hasn’t fully convinced for either team that he is an automatic selection and I don’t see England winning a tournament with him as one of two centre backs. In my Gomez and Walker are fighting it out for one spot, the right centre half in a three position with the ability to provide cover in other areas of the defence. On that basis, I see Gomez in the squad, but probably only a starting contender in a back three.

J Stones

If England decide to revert to a back three then John Stones will undoubtedly come into consideration. Long hailed as a future superstar, Stones was another who established himself in the team during the 2018 world cup. Excelling in the centre of a back three, bringing the ball into midfield and even finding the net from set pieces Stones looked to be a fixture in the team for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, a drop in club form which saw him out of the Man City team for long periods, and some high-profile errors in the Nations League finals has seen Stones on the outside of the national team. It is hard to write him off with all of the ability he has, especially if they revert to a back three which suits him so well, but he has to first get into the Man City team, and then start demonstrating the form necessary to get him back in the squad.

C Coady

If the back three becomes the preferred formation for England and Stones fails to recover his club place then Connor Coady becomes a strong contender. He has marshalled a Wolves back three for the last few seasons, and nobody will know the formation better. His form has been strong and he has merited a place in the squad, but he simply isn’t an option in a back four and therefore has not been considered until the most recent squad. The fact that he has been included in the current squad shows Southgate’s thinking and gives Coady a chance. He has competition for that central of the three role and his general versatility may count against him, but if he gets a chance and takes it then you never know.

T Mings

Another of the seemingly endless list of defenders more suited to a back three and indicates why Southgate is considering this change. Mings has the ability to play left back, or left of a three and has appeared for England in a back four, but it is as the left of a three that he is compatible with his game. Although Mings has performed adequately for England, his performances and style of play for Aston Villa concern me. Too often he retreats and drops deeper and deeper rather than engaging the opposing attackers, giving them time and space within shooting distance of goal, something that international players will punish on a regular basis. Southgate likes his leadership qualities but for me he is down the list of centre half options.

P. Jones

A mystery to many people how he has won as many England caps as he has. To be fair to him his effort and commitment can never be faulted but he just lacks the quality for international football. Another player who finds himself out of his club side and is therefore a long way from international selection. Too many big game errors mean we have probably seen the last of Phil Jones in an England shirt.

M Keane

Its been an up and down couple of years for Michael Keane and he will be hoping that this coming season brings an up. Signed by Everton and in the England team, he was on an up. However his England appearances started to deteriorate, he made a couple of errors and found himself out of the team and then subsequently the squad. This form transferred to Everton where he found himself on the bench amidst a host of criticism. Since then he has regained his Everton place, made it back into the England squad and been liked with a move to Barcelona following the appointment of Ronald Koeman, the man who signed him for Everton. The move to a back three would not favour Keane as he has neither the distribution to play centrally, or the speed to pay as the right sided defender. As with Coady, the lack of versatility to play both systems could ultimately count against him.

E Dier

A regular in the England squad for the last five years as a defensive midfielder, Dier has now made the switch to centre half. This is the position he wants to play, and Jose Mourinho has consistently picked him in that role. He has now been recalled by England and started the game against Iceland. Dier is never a fans favourite and often cops a lot of criticism when things go wrong, but he is popular with team mates and mangers like his character and leadership qualities. As a centre half he is flexible enough to play in a three of a four and even within the three he can play either centrally or on the right side. Add in his ability to cover a midfield role as well, and he is another certain selection for the Euro’s.

B White

A long shot for the squad as it stands but not a complete outsider. Southgate has already name dropped him as someone to watch this season. Having signed a new contract at Brighton he will be expected to start the season in the Brighton team. If he is able to replicate the form he showed at Leeds in the Championship last season, in the Premier League this season, he has a style of play and a comfort on the ball which will appeal to Southgate. White has a lot of work to do but is a genuine contender.

My CB selections

1 H Maguire

2 E Dier

3 J Gomez

4 B White

5 J Stones

Defensive Midfield

D Rice

The man in possession of the defensive midfield role, with the advantage of being able to play as a centre half. When England play against strong opposition there is little doubt how important his defensive abilities are. However, when England play some lesser teams, it is questionable whether he possessed the passing skills that allow England to move the ball quickly and precisely as is required to break down packed defences. He is a strong contender for the role of that there is no question, in a position where it is likely only one player will be selected, with Henderson and Dier able to cover that position and almost certainties for the squad.

K Phillips

Yet to win a cap, yet to play in the Premier League but a defensive midfielder with the ability to dominate games at any level. In England’s team the defensive midfielder needs to break up play, shield the back three or four, be competitive in the air at set pieces due to the rest of the team being relatively short, dictate the tempo of the game and allow the team to pass out from the back and move the ball through the thirds. It is fair to say that Rice is a better defender than Phillips but the difference between the two is marginal in comparison to the difference in passing abilities. Phillips has the range of passing to spread the play, and open up defences when needed. So far, he has only shown this at Championship level, but I am confident he will excel in the top flight, and once he gets his chance for England it will be difficult to leave him out.

H Winks

The third of the defensive midfield options and vastly different to the other two. Winks is comfortably the best passer of the ball out of the three of them, but physically he does not possess the attributes that are required by England in that role currently. In my opinion he is more suited to the centre midfield role, but the competition is so strong in that area he will struggle to make any impression.

My DM selection

1st choice – K Phillips

Centre Midfield

J Henderson

The vice captain, one of the first names on the sheet and the unofficial leader of the squad. Whether he plays CM or DM he will be at the Euro’s barring injury and will be crucial to any success achieved. For so long he was a target for abuse when things went wrong, people now begin to see how important he is at club and international level. You can’t write a list of his skills, but you know that neither Liverpool or England function the same when he is missing.

J Ward-Prowse

Played against Iceland on Saturday and acquitted himself well. A good engine, great passing abilities, and set piece delivery that is second to none are all attributes that make him a genuine midfield option. For me he is a Henderson understudy, they both offer similar strengths, and I think that will count against him when the squad is named. If Henderson is missing then I have no problem with him stepping in, but with Henderson an automatic choice, Ward-Prowse falls short of making the squad.

A Oxlade-Chamberlain

A Southgate favourite and someone who offers something vastly different to the other centre midfield options. His ability to press with intensity out of possession, and be direct both when travelling with the ball and making forward runs off the ball are unique skills within the midfield options. He is unfortunately renowned for being injury prone, especially around the time of major tournaments, but if he is fit and has avoided injuries for most of the season, he will be in the 23.

R Barkley

A difficult one to assess. When you think he made an international spot his own, he goes off the boil and loses his place, then when you think his time has passed, he goes on a run of form which gives the manager no choice but to recall him. A lot is going to depend on his club form as he is not a player likely to be selected on past achievements. Whether he will be in his club side next season is another matter, and looking at the Chelsea options, with Kante, Kovacic, Mount, Havertz etc if I had to bet one way or the other I would guess that his opportunities may be limited.

M Mount

The same canoe be said of Mason Mount who has quickly become one of the managers favourites at Chelsea. While he was inconsistent last season for his club, and failed to shine when given the chance by his country, he has shown enough to be in the mix when it comes to selection. Classed as one of the solid characters that Southgate likes will go in his favour. In a spot that may see limited tournament game time, the last thing the manager will want is someone rocking the boat, Mount fits the bill and should make the final cut.

J Grealish

Grealish is one of the most interesting cases on this list. So often left out of the squad, he made the most recent selection after a couple of withdrawals. Southgate says he sees him as a front three player but he just isn’t getting into the reckoning in that area of the field. His ability to create, to receive the ball in tight areas, and to travel with the ball are all skills transferable to the international game. The reality is though that in order to make any impression on the England manager he has to be playing and performing in the centre of midfield for his club. The fact that the Aston Villa manager doesn’t trust him to fulfil that role tells you that his chances of doing that at international level are slim. His off the field indiscretions don’t assist his cause either.

J Maddison

As with Grealish, Maddison is a player whose ability is unquestionable but who doesn’t seem to be a favourite of Southgate. Maddison is no stranger to off the field controversies and Southgate has seemed reluctant to either pick him in the squad or put him on the pitch despite his impressive club form for Leicester. He will need to be absolutely outstanding next season in order to force Southgate’s hand, anything less and he will miss out.

P Foden

For the last two years Southgate has been waiting for him to start appearing at Man City to allow him to be picked for England. At the end of the season he featured more and more for City and demonstrated what a class act he is. Ever since his youth world cup win with England he has been earmarked for the full squad and it appears his time has come now. With David Silva leaving the club his game time should increase and he will have more chances to demonstrate his skills and secure his place in the Euro’s squad.

D Alli

An England regular since making his debut and another who followed the path of a good 2018 world cup, a dip in form, and losing his England place. He is still on the outside of the squad as it stands, but is one of the players that Southgate will be hoping finds form so he can bring him back into the fold. It is so important to have goals in the team and Alli’s goals record from midfield exceeds that of any of his rivals which is why any sort of form for Tottenham will see him back in the mix for the Euro’s.

J Lingard

A relatively poor season last year for the Man Utd player who made such an impact at the 2018 World Cup. Unfortunately, he hasn’t kicked on from that period and struggled for any sort of game time at his club last season. With Man Utd further strengthening that area of the field it is hard to see him getting enough minutes next season to allow him to push his way into the England squad in an area that is so competitive.

R Loftus Cheek

Another 2018 World Cup success, and another player who will be focusing on getting a game at club level before realising any international ambitions. When playing regularly Loftus-Cheek provides a different alternative to anybody else in the squad, but he will need some season to get into the squad and I just cannot see him getting the game time at club level to do it.

My CM selection

1 J Henderson

2 D Alli

3 P Foden

4 A Oxlade-Chamberlain

5 M Mount

Wingers

R Sterling

Along with Kane and Henderson he will be one of the first selections for Southgate. Heavily criticised during the World Cup, Sterling has progressed to a level of performance which makes him an automatic starter. He has benefited from the change of system to a 4-3-3 allowing him to play in his favoured left sided role. If the expected change back to a back three materialises then it will be interesting to see if it’s a 3-4-3 allowing him to maintain his best position or if he is pressed into playing as a forward in a 3-5-2. It is important that England are able to get the best out of Sterling but it is one of Southgate’s biggest conundrums, working out how to do that while tweaking the formation for the best for the rest of the team.

M Rashford

Another guaranteed selection. Rashford has proven himself to be the sort of character that Southgate loves to have in his squad, and to have the ability to make an impact on the international stage. Unlike Sterling, he can adapt to a two-up front, while also occupying any of the three spots in a front three. His best position though appears to be coming in off of the left so is in direct competition with Sterling for a starting spot. His pace is devastating and he offers more of a goal threat than any of his rivals for those positions. I believe Southgate would love to get him in the starting line-up but it will be probably involve him shifting to the right of a three in order to achieve it. Rashford may also act as the Harry Kane back up if none of the strikers stake a strong enough claim, giving Southgate the option then to possibly pick an extra midfield player.

J Sancho

The potential £100 million player, the Dortmund wonderkid, the player who has got himself into the starting eleven for his country, but someone who has yet to fully convince me. Lots of ability without a doubt but in my opinion not enough end product at the top level. Another youngster who is only going to get better, and there is no debate over his inclusion in the squad, but he faces strong pressure for the starting role that he currently has unless he starts to produce goals and assists on a regular basis for England. Rashford offers more of a goal threat and will be a strong contender for the right sided forward role.

M Greenwood

Another contender for the right sided forward role following his recent emergence. England rely heavily on Kane for goals, and the inclusion of a player like Greenwood in the side will increase the goalscoring options. He is a clean striker of the ball with right and left foot, and seems to have the crucial knack of finding the net. You cannot underestimate the importance of having goalscorers in your tournament squads, and with Greenwoods ability I expect him to get better and better, and with another season of football under his belt, be pushing for a starting place.

C Hudson-Odoi

A year ago I would have said he would be a definite selection, now however I would say he is highly unlikely to make the squad. Granted he suffered a serious Achilles injury but before and after that his form really went off the boil. He is young and talented so his time will come but the competition for places in his position is strong. An additional problem he will face is the likes of Ziyech and Pulisic occupying his position in his club side, preventing him forcing his way into the national team reckoning.

B Saka

Another player who emerged in the 2019/20 season. Saka initially appeared as a left winger for Arsenal in the early stages of the season before really catching the eye as a left wing back, and then producing some top performances as a right winger. Again this versatility is sought after for tournament squads especially when there is a shortage of left backs/left wing backs in the squad. The problem Saka will have in my view is establishing himself in the Arsenal team in a set position and then competing for an England spot in that role. As it stands he is probably 4th or 5th choice in about three different positions and that is probably not sufficient to get him in the squad

My Winger Selections

LW – R Sterling

Back Up – M Rashford

RW – M Greenwood

Back Up – J Sancho

Strikers

H Kane

The captain, the number one choice up front. We have seen two versions of Harry Kane since he emerged as an England player. The fit, sharp, goalscorer who finds the net on a regular basis, and the slightly injured or rushed back from injury, lethargic striker who goes through a dry spell in front of goal and contributes little else to the build up play. It is vital for England’s success that we see the first of these versions, and hopefully he can add a European Championship golden boot to the won he won in Russia in 2018.

D Ings

The man in possession of the back-up striker role after his selection for the most recent squad and his appearance off of the bench vs Iceland. Selected on the back of an incredible season in front of goal for Southampton, he gave Southgate no choice but to pick him. You get the impression that Southgate is not totally convinced by Ings, so it is crucial that he keeps in the goals next season. If his form drops off or his numbers are down, it is inevitable that he will slip down the pecking order.

T Abraham

The opposite to Ings in that it appears Southgate fancies him as a player but he doesn’t possess the form to back it up. He has been in and around the squad for a couple of seasons, including the most recent selection. However after losing his place to Giroud at Chelsea last season, and then seeing the club splash the cash on Timo Werner it is hard to see him gaining the minutes and goals next season to force his way into the squad.

C Wilson

The season after the World Cup, Callum Wilson appeared to have grasped the role of understudy to Harry Kane. Consistent club form and a decent goals return backed up by goals for England saw him the clear choice as the other striking option within the squad. Wilson is often plagued by injures though and since the most recent of those he found goals hard to come by. His club side Bournemouth got relegated and he found himself out of England consideration. Currently being linked with moves to Newcastle, and Aston Villa, Wilson needs a consistent injury free season coupled with a goal tally in double figures and he may have a chance of claiming a role that appears to be wide open.

D Calvert-Lewin

Finished last season incredibly well for Everton and caught the eye enough to be in the mix for England selection. He would appear likely to start the season as Everton’s first choice striker and a good run in that position would see him strongly in contention for an England place. Everton underachieved last season but with Carlo Ancelotti in charge and some good creative midfield signings then they should have a better season this time around. That all bodes well for Calvert-Lewin who will surely benefit from a more successful team around him, and having progressed through the England age groups he will have his eyes on a Euro’s place.

My Striker Selections

1st Choice – H Kane

Back Up – D Calvert-Lewin

1 J Pickford

2 T Alexander-Arnold

3 B Chilwell

4 K Phillips

5 H Maguire

6 E Dier

7 R Sterling

8 J Henderson

9 H Kane

10 D Alli

11 M Greenwood

12 K Trippier

13 N Pope

14 J Gomez

15 J Stones

16 B White

17 P Foden

18 M Rashford

19 J Sancho

20 D Calvert-Lewin

21 A Oxlade Chamberlain

22 M Mount

23 D Henderson