Why THIS team should start at the Euros. SAMI MOKBEL picks his England XI for the tournament opener in 84 days
Yes the display against Brazil was underwhelming but when all these players are fit and firing, England will be the team to fear at the Euros.
Jordan Pickford has been a mainstay of Gareth Southgate’s reign. From Russia to Qatar, Pickford’s influence is key. A bundle of nervous energy in the dressing room, but he is working on being more of a calming authority on the pitch.
While the identity of England's No 1 isn’t an issue, the role of understudy is a problem. At the start of the season Arsenal keeper Aaron Ramsdale was almost certainly going as Pickford’s No 2. There were many who believed Ramsdale was threatening to overtake Pickford. But having lost his place at Arsenal to David Raya, Ramsdale is clinging to his place in the squad.
Sam Johnstone will fancy his chances of being the No 2. He’s been a regular for Crystal Palace this season and that sharpness should give him the edge. The imminent return to fitness of Nick Pope at Newcastle could put Ramsdale under more pressure, while Jack Butland, now at Rangers, is back on the radar.
Verdict – Pickford
Back-up – Johnstone and Ramsdale
Kyle Walker is one of only a handful of genuinely world-class players in Southgate’s squad. The Manchester City defender, who limped off against Brazil, will start England’s first game against Serbia on June 16. His recovery pace offers the obvious benefit of defending higher up the pitch. Walker has also developed into one of the leaders of Southgate’s dressing room and his influence behind the scenes shouldn’t be underestimated.
Who steps in for Walker is less certain. The prospect of Ben White returning to the international fold is virtually non-existent. Add to that Reece James’ race against time to recover from hamstring surgery and
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