If it wasn’t already clear at the World Cup, England’s performances since Russia have truly ushered in a new era for the Three Lions.
Wayne Rooney’s 120th and final cap this week marked the final exit of the old guard and the passing of the torch to a generation of players England fans have already fallen for.
At his disposal, Gareth Southgate – the most well-liked Three Lions manager for some time – has a group of players he clearly relies on, while a number of youngsters are beginning to look like future regulars.
So, who are the most essential players in the picture right now? And why are those players so vital to Southgate’s cause?
Here are Southgate’s 10 most important England players, ranked.
10. Jadon Sancho
It might seem bizarre to include a player with just two international caps in a list of important players. But such is the potential of 18-year-old Jadon Sancho, it’s obvious Southgate will soon be including him in the starting line-up on a regular basis.
The teenager had the Wembley crowd on its feet every time he picked up the ball in the first half against the USA. He has plenty of tricks in his locker, but Sancho also has an awareness of what’s going on around him that will serve him well, as evidenced by his assist for Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goal.
Harry Kane is seven years Sancho’s senior. That’s significant because it’s important England have potentially world-class players in the ranks who will still be playing when the likes of Kane are coming towards the tail ends of their careers.
Key stat: Sancho is the second youngest England player to make his debut in a competitive fixture.
9. Kieran Trippier
Kieran Trippier’s wonderful semi-final free-kick against Croatia was arguably the pinnacle moment of England’s World Cup campaign, a goal that had the nation asking: “Is this really happening?”
The full-back has endured a difficult spell since the ball hit the net. He limped off with an injury later in the game and watched as the Three Lions were eliminated. What’s more, he has struggled to find form for Tottenham, particularly defensively. With so much competition at right-back for England, Trippier needs that to change.
But regardless of his form, Trippier remains a favourite of Southgate’s. He is debatably the best option on the right when England play with a 3-4-3, and his set-piece ability was central to the Three Lions’ progression in Russia.
8. Jesse Lingard
There was a point in Lingard’s career when it looked like he wouldn’t quite make it for Manchester United or England. The midfielder has done brilliantly to change that perception, becoming the ideal squad player for both club and country.
His stunning goal against the USA mirrored his strike against Panama in the World Cup group stages. Lingard sometimes seems to be the only England player who can produce a moment of magic out of nothing, which makes him a guaranteed member of the squad whenever fit.
The 25-year-old also possesses a useful degree of versatility in that he can play in a number of attacking roles without fuss.
7. Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire’s rise is unlike any other player in the current squad. Since his switch from Hull City to Leicester City in the summer of 2017, he has become an England regular and has been linked with a move to Manchester United.
A real fan favourite during the World Cup, Maguire’s likability can be put down to his apparent normality and his propensity to put his head in no matter the risk involved. His towering header against Sweden in the quarter-finals won’t be forgotten any time soon.
But under all of that is Maguire’s true value to Southgate. The former Sheffield United youngster is excellent on the ball to the point that he can play on the left of a back three despite being right-footed. For that reason, he’s certain to be a fixture in the team for some time to come.
Key stat: Maguire won 41 aerial duels at the World Cup, more than any other defender.
6. Marcus Rashford
Harry Kane aside, Marcus Rashford is England’s top scorer since Southgate took over with five goals. That’s reason enough for the striker to earn a place on this list, but on top of that, there’s a feeling Rashford could improve even more in the coming years.
His progression at Manchester United has been hindered by the team’s inconsistent form over the last two seasons. Still only 21, Rashford could yet increase his modest goal tally for club and country, especially if he continues to make similar runs to the one he produced for his goal against Spain last month.
He is an ideal partner for Kane, but Rashford will also be called upon to lead the line if Kane is forced to miss future matches through injury or other reasons.
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5. Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker is one of the best right-backs in the world, but for one reason or another, he hasn’t managed to nail down that position for England. A combination of Trippier’s crossing ability and Walker’s own capacity to play in a range of roles has seen him become something of a utility player for the Three Lions.
That’s not to say there is a debate about his inclusion in the team. Far from it; Walker is one of the best players Southgate has at his disposal. And he ranks highly on this list not only because of his ability, but due to his versatility.
The Manchester City defender is the key reason England were able to switch systems just before the World Cup, and Southgate can feasibly change formations mid-game without making too many substitutions when Walker is included.
4. John Stones
John Stones’ capability on the ball has always been undeniable. But so far this season, it’s the defensive side of his game that has hugely improved. He has been a rock at the back for Manchester City, which can only be a good thing for England.
Situated in the middle of a back three at the World Cup, Stones was often the first port of call for Jordan Pickford to distribute the ball to. Playing out from the back is the key ethos of Southgate’s system, and knowing he can rely on Stones to do it with aplomb increases the 24-year-old’s importance.
On top of that, just like Maguire, he can pose a threat from set pieces. Remember his first-half brace against Panama in Russia?
3. Jordan Pickford
The primary job of England’s centre-backs – to make themselves available and comfortably play out from the back – is made so much easier by having a goalkeeper who is more than adept with his feet. Put simply, Jordan Pickford is undroppable.
Putting his goalkeeping ability aside, Pickford is a fine passer of the ball. He has range, too; the Everton stalwart is equally proficient with short passes to his centre-backs and long balls up to the attacking players.
He played a key role in two of England’s goals against Spain last month, picking out Harry Kane expertly on both occasions. That he is not streets ahead of his fellow English goalkeepers when it comes to the basics hardly matters, such is his suitability to the role Southgate requires.
2. Raheem Sterling
There were few more divisive figures during the World Cup than Raheem Sterling. Some saw a player low on confidence and devoid on a final product, while others recognised the crucial runs he was making, the space he was opening up for teammates and everything else he subtly brought to the table.
That said, it’s impossible to deny Sterling hasn’t contributed enough goals for England in recent years, especially for a player who found the net 23 times for Manchester City last term. Before October, the 23-year-old had scored just twice in an England shirt.
But his two-goal display against Spain last month seemed to see Sterling start afresh on the international stage. His runs in behind were finally matched by accurate finishing. It was a performance that proved Sterling really can become one of the best players in the world if everything comes together.
Key stat: Sterling’s two goals against Spain were his first international goals since 2015.
1. Harry Kane
For all of the collective improvement under Southgate, England’s World Cup exploits wouldn’t have been possible without the contribution of one man. Harry Kane’s goals have now taken both Tottenham and the Three Lions to the next level.
The striker followed up his best ever goalscoring season for Spurs in 2017/18, scoring 41 times in 48 appearances, with six strikes at the World Cup. A questionable level of fitness saw his goals start to dry up towards the end of the tournament and, in tandem, England’s trophy hopes faded.
Southgate isn’t able to rely on any other player for guaranteed goals like a fit Kane. What’s more, his leadership qualities as captain are missed when he is absent. For all of those reasons, Kane is Southgate’s most important player right now.
Key stat: Kane has scored 19 goals in 34 international appearances.
The nearly men
A number of players almost cracked the top 10 but missed out for an array of reasons.
Dele Alli remains one of the most talented players in the squad, but his importance has definitely receded in recent months. It has sometimes been difficult for Southgate to find a specific role for the 22-year-old.
The likes of Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson and Fabian Delph have all captained the side in Kane’s absence; it is vital Southgate has other leaders to rely on, so the trio’s value should be recognised.
Trent Alexander Arnold and Joe Gomez look to be future battlers for a first-team spot in defence, while Harry Winks has the potential to be a guaranteed starter in midfield.
The post Ranked: Gareth Southgate’s 10 most important England players appeared first on Squawka News.
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