‘Pickford gets my vote over Courtois, Lloris’

DIGGING DEEP He is the youngest, smallest and plays behind a backline of three that is also thin on experience

smallest on the pitch and also the busiest. In front of Kante, I would line up Kevin de Bruyne, Luka Modric and Ivan Rakitic. This may make the midfield more attack-oriented but I am banking on Raktic to provide cover along with Kante. Also, it isn’t as if Modric can’t help break down moves. So, Modric, who is a leader on the pitch and can run his socks off, and Rakitic can provide protection and freedom for De Bruyne when needed.

De Bruyne started slowly but came into his own against Brazil with that goal. He is good with both feet, has commendable ball control and can provide a telling pass that usually result in goals.

Those goals will be scored by Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe and Eden Hazard. Kane will be the false nine because he has the qualities to be one. He is a quality striker who is also important when his team doesn’t have the ball and he is calm. Kane’s goals may seem opportunistic but it is also a product of being at the right place at the right time and that comes from reading the game well.

And anyone who underestimates goals from penalties should be reminded that Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luka Modric have missed from the spot. Also, if Kane has successfully converted penalties it is also because goalkeepers can’t second-guess him.

Mbappe and Hazard would stretch the opposition defence. Both can operate at speed without compromising on technical ability. Mbappe’s strength and speed reminds me of Brazil’s Ronaldo. He is a work in progress and I can’t wait to see an improved version in the European championship in 2020. Sweden hosted the World Cup in the year 1958. In what position did they finish?