Glen Hoddle believes starting with Harry Maguire at the World Cup would be a "risk" as Gareth Southgate prepares to make a big call on his centre-half.
The Manchester United defender has been a favourite under the current boss, but has endured a tough time since the Euro 2020 final. He has fallen out of favour at club level and his lack of match sharpness was evident in the latest round of international matches, when he made several errors against Germany.
Southgate has been loyal to his stalwarts but could cop major criticism if Maguire, who isn't getting minutes, makes an error in one of England's group games. John Stones, Eric Dier and Ben White present different options and all could play in a back three with Betfair ambassador Hoddle apprehensive about Maguire's inclusion.
He said: "I think it is a risk - he can only play him in a three. I don't see him starting. If he'd come in and been authoritative and looked sharp, but he looks like someone who is trying to show he's okay and he's complicated his game a bit. He's done brilliant for Gareth, but at this moment it is a real big ask."
Maguire has regularly started for England in major tournaments since debuting but there is question marks over him this time with the team's defence cited as their biggest weakness. Southgate will be seeking some stability in the backline against the likes of Iran and Wales, which will be helped by some consistent selection.
The right-back slot is another position where there has been plenty of debate. Reece James, who was seen by many as a starter, will miss the tournament through injury whilst Kyle Walker has been looking to get fully fit after battling against injury.
It leaves Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold as the two men battling it out with the former another favourite under Southgate. The Newcastle man started in the Euro 2020 final whilst the Liverpool star has only been used sporadically and copped flack for the defensive side of his game.
That said, Hoddle would start Alexander-Arnold for the game against Iran, but confessed that the coaches in the England camp may have to deliver some brutal feedback if things don't go to plan.
"I would in the first game, as a wing-back. I think we need the security of three at the back," he added. "I think if we did need to open them up, he picks passes that others can't pick. He's got that ability and he's a great one to have up your sleeve. What he does with Liverpool is up to them, but in England camp you might have to be harsher with some of his defending. If he's got anything about him, those instructions will make a difference.
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