17 October 2023 , 10:36
585
0
Gareth Southgate is set to go back to England’s tried and trusted formula at Wembley against Italy.
That means Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips are still at the forefront of Southgate’s mind for next summer’s Euros - even though they are in danger of not getting many minutes for their clubs this season.
England’s predicted team set to take on Italy is: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier; Rice, Phillips, Bellingham; Foden, Rashford, Kane.
Now that is going to be very close to Southgate’s first choice line-up for next summer’s Euros with Bukayo Saka almost certain to come back in when the Arsenal winger is fit again.
Maybe a different left back. But other than that, Southgate is in the unusual position of knowing his best XI well in advance of the tournament.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
Southgate is happy to rely on Maguire and Phillips for the simple reason that he treats England as a club set-up in every sense. Togetherness, camaraderie and a united dressing room. He also picks players on form for England - not necessarily for their clubs.
Marcus Rashford has struggled for form at Manchester United this season - he has managed just one goal - but Southgate says he was brilliant against Scotland last month, has been sharp in training and has had a smile on his face. He pretty much said he’s nailed-on to start against Italy.
Maguire has never let him down. Phillips always plays well for England - most notably in Naples in March - even though he is barely getting a kick at Manchester City. Southgate was glowing about Phillips again in his pre-match press conference on Monday.
But England fans, understandably, scream blue murder sometimes when they are even named in the squad because many think it smacks of favouritism, cliques and habit.
Maguire and Phillips look set to get the nod for England (The FA via Getty Images)What about James Ward-Prowse? Sean Longstaff? Blimey, the Toon Army seem to think Newcastle ’s tea lady should get a call. Can you really pick Maguire even though he’s not playing at Manchester United? Surely he will be rusty when the big games count around. Lewis Dunk is playing out of his skin for Brighton.
There is no doubt that Marc Guehi is pushing hard for a place and may well come on for John Stones at Wembley as the Manchester City defender has barely played this season because of injury.
But, again, that shows Southgate’s loyalty to the players that have served him well throughout his reign. He now has the best team of his seven year tenure and Phillips gives the midfield a balance which it desperately needs to get the best out of Jude Bellingham.
Bellingham is England’s best player right now, he will only get better and you have to give him the freedom to play just as Real Madrid have done.
Jordan Henderson is 33, will be 34 three days into next summer’s Euros and, while he is set to be back on the bench against Italy, Southgate loves what he brings to the squad as the elder statesman, the leader and he is a really good tourist.
Clearly, Luke Shaw will also have a big say at left back because Kieran Trippier is effectively playing on the wrong side. With Shaw and Ben Chilwell both out injured, Trippier is still a very good option.
Man Utd deadline day live updates as Sabitzer completes loan move
Southgate insisted he will not pick his team based on some sort of “popularity contest.” And he’s definitely right there. The fans have got their doubts and even booed Henderson when he was substituted against Australia, although that is more to do with his Saudi betrayal.
But Southgate, since the World Cup, has become a much tougher manager. He is determined to do it his way. He has become more outspoken. The Euros is likely to be his last tournament in charge - and he is determined to do it his way.