The five most exciting things about Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad

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England boss Gareth Southgate has named a 25-man squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League matches away to Croatia and Spain.

As usual with any squad announcements, there are plenty of debates regarding the overall makeup with some questioning certain players inclusions and notable omissions.

Southgate, who’s now been England’s full-time manager for nearly two years knows he can’t please all of the people all of the time, but under him, the Three Lions are undoubtedly trodding on the right path.

The duels against this summer’s World Cup runners-up, who reached the Moscow final at England’s expense, as well as a rejuvenated Spain will be fascinating.

More immediately is the composition of Southgate’s squad. And, truth be told, there’s enough in there to get us excited. Here are five things in particular.

1. Southgate’s new contract

To begin, as mentioned, England are heading in the right direction under Southgate (reaching an unexpected World Cup semi-final berth being a perfect illustration) and the powers that be at the FA recognised that by handing the former U21s boss a new two-year deal which sees him in charge of the senior team through to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

No one can deny him this vote of confidence but now is where things must take off. Knowing he’s got four more years this is where Southgate can implement England’s long-term future.

However, football is a results business, supporters – who are very much on his side – and his bosses will expect progression from being a team looking from the outside in to seriously challenging for major honours.

Success breeds confidence but it also leads to heightened expectations. An immediate rematch with 2018 World Cup vanquisher Croatia is the first game of the next phase of Southgate’s management and it could prove to be seminal.

2. Shaw vs. Rose

Luke Shaw’s return to form is a feel good story. His future at Manchester United, as well as his international career, was in limbo for the past few years but that’s no longer the case.

He can be commended for the hard yards he’s put in (mentally and physically) and after re-establishing himself as United’s first choice left-back Shaw is coming for the England crown – encouraged by starting in the recent Nations League game against Spain at Wembley – but he’s not the only contender.

Danny Rose, who’s endured his fair share of setbacks, was in possession before injuries struck. He too is back in the fold and rediscovering his mojo which puts Southgate in a pleasant quandary.

At his disposal are two of England’s finest left full-backs playing at (or near to) their optimum level. It’s a battle many wished to see and they’re now getting it.

3. A recall for Chalobah

If not for a serious knee injury chances were that Nathaniel Chalobah, who Southgate thinks highly of, would have been with England in Russia.

Long touted for great things Chalobah, a graduate of Chelsea’s esteemed youth system, knew he needed to leave Stamford Bridge if he was to really fulfil his potential.

He was starting to do that at Watford before regularly visiting the physio room. His lack of Premier League minutes this season has raised a few eyebrows as to why he’s been called-up but that can be explained by what Chalobah brings to the party.

There are very few capable of playing the ‘number six’ that Southgate can reach out to. Chalobah, whenever he’s played, has demonstrated his capability and now the 23-year-old is free from any fitness issues it could be the time for Southgate to hand him a first international cap.

4. More possible CM duo combos

The return of Chalobah is not the only call-up making the headlines. Harry Winks and Ross Barkley are in line to win their second and 23 caps respectively. In the case of Barkley, it’s been a long wait having lasted kicked a ball for England in May 2016 against Australia.

Both are in the age bracket which dominates Southgate’s squad (21-25) and presents countless options in midfield particularly when it comes to duos. Southgate is unlikely to be shifting away from his tried and tested back-three anytime soon so what possible relationships could we see?

If he stays with, say, a 3-5-2 (which he’s fielded no fewer than seven times including last time out against Switzerland) then maybe Barkley-Eric Dier? Or a Spurs tandem of Dier and Winks? There’s also the potential of Barkley and Winks together with Jordan Henderson or Chalobah anchoring the midfield.

One thing is for certain Southgate will be thinking long and hard.

5. Potential solutions to England’s No.10 problem

Since taking charge Southgate has nominally fielded a 3-1-4-2 shape but one frustration has been the lack of a player who is able to link England’s midfield with their attack (or in another word a top of the line number 10).

Dele Alli, whose talent is undisputed and currently sidelined with injury, seems more effective in a deeper role which is why seeing the names of James Madison, who’s been a revelation at Leicester City, and Mason Mount of Derby County (albeit on loan from Chelsea) has made us sit up and takes notice.

Both can operate in this role and the same could be said of Borussia Dortmund’s 18-year-old sensation Jadon Sancho who currently has the most assists to his name across Europe’s top five leagues.

All three are uncapped and chances are one if not all will play some minutes.

The post The five most exciting things about Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad appeared first on Squawka News.



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