The Selection Headache Southgate Didn't Want

Southgate has always promised that he will pick his squads on form, a perfect example being Trent Alexander-Arnold left out of the last international meetup, but this could provide him with an uncomfortable issue. He has always had specific players that he uses, the ‘go to man’, his ‘favourites’ but this season has thrown up many questions. The length of the season, amount of games, lack of pre-season and just basic form has found him in the situation of not knowing his best team, let alone his squad.

I think most people would agree that before you decide who makes the squad you would have an idea who would be in your team. The problem is that of the 11 that started the semi final versus Croatia in 2018, only 4 players would be nailed on to start on 13th June ironically against Croatia. Those are Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, and Harry Kane, and even then, you would probably have a debate about your RB position.

Other notable players from that team in 2018 are Jordan Pickford, Jordan Henderson, and Raheem Sterling. Now when I say they are not nailed down to start; I am simply going off Gareth’s promise to pick based on form. Pickford has been average at best and Henderson has spent a large portion of the season injured having had an operation on a groin injury at the end of February. We are now in May and he hasn’t kicked a ball yet. Sterling has had a relatively good season however a drop in form recently has seen his place lost in a Man City side to Phil Foden.

So, we have 4 players of the 11 filled, not a great start. There have been several incredible performances this season for both club and country for several players that now must almost certainly fit the bill for a starting 11 role. Here are just a few names to consider: Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Jude Bellingham. The oldest of those players is Grealish at 25 years of age. With those players you basically have your team nailed down.

And here in lays the headache for Southgate. Does he go with his promise of playing people in form or does he stick with his reliable men? There is a real chance that the three of Henderson, Pickford and Sterling don’t start at the Euro’s, Henderson might not even make the squad. The trouble is everyone has their own opinion about who should and shouldn’t be in the squad and no matter who he picks there will always be someone calling him for not picking someone else. The addition of a further 3 players to the squad list will, I believe, to be a massive relief for him but it could also be an unnecessary distraction. Do you really want 26 players in your camp where the majority of those are not going to be starting a game?

The form of those players named above is too good to ignore. Jude Bellingham put in 2 massive performances in both legs of the Champions League Quarter Final at 17 years old. He looked like he belonged there. Phil Foden has been instrumental to Man City this season; he looks unfazed and like he is still playing in the streets with his mates. Declan Rice has stepped up to captain a very decent West Ham side this season, dictating the play until his recent injury. Mason Mount has been a pillar of consistency in an otherwise inconsistent season for Chelsea and has made it to the Champions League Final. Jack Grealish has had the best season of his career so far and is silky on the ball. Captaining Aston Villa has matured him massively and England will surely benefit.

But along with this there have been others that have had incredible seasons. Luke Shaw has near enough reached the heights that earned him rave reviews at Southampton. He has battled back from injury and been playing a consistently high level all season and for that reason he will probably beat Ben Chilwell to the LB role. John Stones has formed an impressive partnership with Ruben Dias and, similarly to Shaw, has introduced consistency and mentality to his otherwise superb game. A real threat with the ball is not something you would associate with a CB, but he is comfortable playing from the back.

The goalkeeper's shirt is anyone’s guess. As previously said Pickford has been average and it was his shirt to lose and it looks as though he may have. Nick Pope has been good for Burnley, Sam Johnstone has been a bright spot in an otherwise miserable season for West Brom and Dean Henderson is finally getting games at Man United. I suspect that whoever has the best end to the season will get the nod. Again, another headache Southgate really didn’t want.

There are several players in with a shot of the squad that possibly at the start of the season you would have laughed at, I know I would have. Think of the likes of Jesse Lingard, Danny Ings, Ollie Watkins and Bukayo Sako.

There will also be some that were a shoe in that now have drifted a bit and leave you wondering if they will be there. Think of the likes of Tammy Abraham, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, and Eric Dier.

Ultimately there are too many out of form, under used or injured players that are in danger. Who would have thought a couple of years ago that Dele Alli wouldn’t even make a squad of 26? The major unwanted headache for Southgate is the case of the trusted, reliable players that have done him well in the past but are not necessarily in form or the young guns tearing up teams in their wake with relative less international experience?

I know which I’d rather have, and you may be able to work it out by reading my squad list below:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, Nick Pope Defenders: Kyle Walker, Reece James, Trent Alexander Arnold, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell, Luke Shaw, Tyrone Mings, Eric Die.

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, James Maddison, James Ward-Prowse, Kalvin Phillip.

Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Jadon Sancho, Danny Ings, Dominic Calvert-Lewin.