Next stop, Qatar. England’s pre-World Cup fixture list is now complete with less than two months to go before their Group B opener with Iran in Doha.
To say it hasn’t been ideal preparation for the Three Lions would be putting it mildly, with their longest winless run since 1993 and the embarassment of relegation from the Nations League.
Severe doubts have emerged among fans over Gareth Southgate’s style of play, though there were at least more encouraging signs in a morale-boosting comeback against Germany at Wembley on Monday, albeit scuppered by another error late on.
With the inaugural winter tournament looming, Standard Sport’s football writers pick their England XIs to face Iran on November 21...
Dan Kilpatrick
3-4-3: Pickford; Walker, Dier, Stones; James, Rice, Bellingham, Saka; Foden, Kane, Sterling
I have stuck with Gareth Southgate’s controversial back-three formation because it is so difficult to name a convincing four-man defence. Harry Maguire is a liability on current form, while Eric Dier and Kyle Walker have only convinced as part of a three.
Jude Bellingham played his way in with an outstanding display last night and I have gone with Bukayo Saka over Luke Shaw at left wing-back, despite their respective showings against Italy and Germany; it is just too tempting to squeeze in an extra forward. Raheem Sterling gets the nod in the front three, but I like the idea of a rejuvenated Marcus Rashford, who could add goals and directness when on form.
Nizaar Kinsella
3-4-3: Pickford; Walker, Dier, Stones; James, Rice, Bellingham, Shaw; Saka, Kane, Sterling
Gareth Southgate has come under criticism lately for his system and selections, but I would like to see him stick to his guns. After all, this is exactly what earned him success in England’s two previous tournaments.
That being said, it would be strange to continue starting an out-of-form Harry Maguire, and Eric Dier has earned his chance to start with two good performances against Italy and Germany. Bukayo Saka just edges the competition to start in the forward line after his impact from the bench against Germany last night.
Malik Ouzia
4-3-3: Pickford; James, Stones, Tomori, Shaw; Bellingham, Rice, Foden; Saka, Kane, Sterling
Picked without much conviction, because the problems extend beyond personnel, and a week ago my line-up would not have been far away from the side that started last night. Playing with a back-three does not give enough scope to get the best players on the ball, and in the opener against Iran it should go.
A shift to a back-four brings its own headaches, though. Eric Dier has been good on his return but can he play in a four? Gareth Southgate does not seem to fancy Fikayo Tomori, so Harry Maguire will probably end up playing, which is ominous.
