England - the future....

[South Coast Royal]

I'm on record as one of Southgate's biggest supporters - but his selections in recent times have become more and more frustrating. Maybe summed up by the fact that James Tarkowski - ranked first in the PL for aeriel duels won and blocked shots, and second in clearances, playing for the best defence outside of the top 3 - is apparently nowhere near the Euros squad. He should be ahead of Dunk, Maguire and Guehi in the pecking order, imho.

I have always liked Tarkowski but for all of his defensive qualities I would suggest that he is behind Dunk and even Maguire in his distribution IMHO.
At international level distribution is important and that is why Stones, who I think is physically a bit soft,is an automatic selection.

Would still have Tarkowski or Coady over Maguire .

[URZZZZ]

I'm on record as one of Southgate's biggest supporters - but his selections in recent times have become more and more frustrating. Maybe summed up by the fact that James Tarkowski - ranked first in the PL for aeriel duels won and blocked shots, and second in clearances, playing for the best defence outside of the top 3 - is apparently nowhere near the Euros squad. He should be ahead of Dunk, Maguire and Guehi in the pecking order, imho.

I have always liked Tarkowski but for all of his defensive qualities I would suggest that he is behind Dunk and even Maguire in his distribution IMHO.
At international level distribution is important and that is why Stones, who I think is physically a bit soft,is an automatic selection.

Would still have Tarkowski or Coady over Maguire .

Much of a muchness defensively IMO the lot of them, not quite international standard. Maguire most likely to pop up at the other end with a header which is why I think he’ll always make the team

Fairly regular calls for Dunk these last couple of seasons who was poor in last roster of internationals, doubt he’ll make the cut

[Royal Rother]

It’s not just England. There’s no glamour appeal in the art of defending to us British any more.

I suppose Cole, Terry and Ferdinand were top class but I can’t think of another one since them.

Even potentially top class youngsters who start out as defenders (Rice for e.g) end up being converted to play further up the field.

No idea how it can be fixed but something the coaching culture should look at. Make defending more sexy!

[South Coast Royal]

It’s not just England. There’s no glamour appeal in the art of defending to us British any more.

I suppose Cole, Terry and Ferdinand were top class but I can’t think of another one since them.

Even potentially top class youngsters who start out as defenders (Rice for e.g) end up being converted to play further up the field.

No idea how it can be fixed but something the coaching culture should look at. Make defending more sexy!

Very much agree with that.
Maybe somebody like Quansah or Branthwaite will kick on but most defenders in the top teams are non-British.

With defensive midfielders now becoming very much sought after maybe out and out defenders (as with Italy of old) will become the new must haves.

Incidentally City have about 5 centre-backs if you include Ake and Gvardiol so where Pep goes perhaps the others will follow.

[Sutekh]

So, what are your guesses for the final England Euros squad?

My 26 man squad suggestion:

Keepers

1. Pickford
2. Henderson, D
3. Ramsdale
   
   Defenders
4. Maguire
5. Stones
6. Walker
7. Trippier
8. Konsa
9. Guehi
10. Shaw
11. Gomez
12. Branthwaite
    
    Midfield
13. Bellingham
14. Alexander-Arnold
15. Rice
16. Gallagher
17. Henderson, J
18. Wharton
19. Elliott
    
    Forwards
20. Kane
21. Saka
22. Foden
23. Grealish
24. Palmer
25. Gordon
26. Toney

Now if only the England set up could persuade Olise to come on board

[South Coast Royal]

So, what are your guesses for the final England Euros squad?

My 26 man squad suggestion:

Keepers

1. Pickford
2. Henderson, D
3. Ramsdale
   
   Defenders
4. Maguire
5. Stones
6. Walker
7. Trippier
8. Konsa
9. Guehi
10. Shaw
11. Gomez
12. Branthwaite
    
    Midfield
13. Bellingham
14. Alexander-Arnold
15. Rice
16. Gallagher
17. Henderson, J
18. Wharton
19. Elliott
    
    Forwards
20. Kane
21. Saka
22. Foden
23. Grealish
24. Palmer
25. Gordon
26. Toney

Now if only the England set up could persuade Olise to come on board

Would probably leave out Trippier and take Watkins especially with Kane having back problems.

[Hendo]

Rashford, Sterling and Henderson all looking like being out.

[NathStPaul]

Rashford, Sterling and Henderson all looking like being out.

Agree with that decision if true. They have all had their time imo. Think Rashford could come again but he needs to move clubs and have a fresh start.

[Zammo]

Another positive press conference from Gareth

(good squad though)

[Loafer]

this has to be one of the worst england squads of all time

southgate has lost the oxf*rd plot

[WestYorksRoyal]

Assuming Shaw doesn't make it, who the hell starts at LB?

[Royal Rother]

this has to be one of the worst england squads of all time

southgate has lost the oxf*rd plot

What would you have done differently?

[6ft Kerplunk]

Assuming Shaw doesn't make it, who the hell starts at LB?

Trippier has done it before for England and Gomez has played there a fair bit for Liverpool this season. Not ideal but its the weakest part of our squad for depth and has been for a while.

[ayjaydee]

this has to be one of the worst england squads of all time

southgate has lost the oxf*rd plot

If you don't want the pile on suggest you engage brain before starting keyboard

[Hendo]

Rashford, Sterling and Henderson all looking like being out.

Agree with that decision if true. They have all had their time imo. Think Rashford could come again but he needs to move clubs and have a fresh start.

Yep, would agree with that - don't think I'd be against Rashford being one of the players on standby should a number of injuries occur.

[6ft Kerplunk]

Fortunately Toney has progressed so that any injury to Kane would not now be a national disaster.

Has he? He's not been that good since he came back from his ban and is a bit lucky to be in the provisional squad.

[Loafer]

this has to be one of the worst england squads of all time

southgate has lost the oxf*rd plot

What would you have done differently?

dunno tbh, its just a shit squad

awful defence, too many young players who cant cut it

[Loafer]

this has to be one of the worst england squads of all time

southgate has lost the oxf*rd plot

If you don't want the pile on suggest you engage brain before starting keyboard

everybody is entitled to their own opinion

[Hendo]

I, for one, am delighted that Henderson misses out. Think he has been god awful for ages.

[South Coast Royal]

Fortunately Toney has progressed so that any injury to Kane would not now be a national disaster.

Has he? He's not been that good since he came back from his ban and is a bit lucky to be in the provisional squad.

So who would you have taken in his place?