MATT LAWTON’S INSIGHT INTO WHAT THE ENGLAND MANAGER IS THINKING
JACK JA BUTLAND Southgate Southga is an admirer of Butland, which became clear during their time together with England’s Under 21s. Indeed, he even made Butland captain at one stage. It’s between the Stoke shot-stopper and Pickford for the No 1 jersey. GAMES 2 CLEAN SHEETS 1
GOALKEEPERS
All statistics refer to Southgate’s reign only… JORDAN J PICKFORD A decent season for everton but m more importantly his ability with the b ball has seen Pickford emerge as the to top contender to start in goal for en england against Tunisia. And his pe performance against Holland last Fr Friday highlighted his ability. GAMES GA 2 CLEAN SHEETS 2 JOE HART It does not seem long ago there was concern in england that Hart lacked competition for the keeper’s jersey. My, how things have changed. Dumped by Pep Guardiola, Hart has been in a tailspin ever since. But he will go to russia because of those 75 caps and what remains a decent record with the national team. GAMES 11 CLEAN SHEETS 7
DEFENDERS
KYLE WALKER He has played more football than anyone under Southgate — 1,053 minutes in 13 of the manager’s 15 games in charge — and is now proving to be as versatile as he is reliable. A key member of Southgate’s squad. GAMES 13 CLEAN SHEETS 9 KIERAN TRIPPIER walker’s £50m move to Manchester City last summer has enabled Trippier to develop at Tottenham and cement his position in the england squad after being called up only last June. A decent performance against Holland strengthened his chances of going to russia as walker’s understudy. Best crosser in the squad. GAMES 4 CLEAN SHEETS 3 HARRY MAGUIRE One of 14 players Southgate has given a senior international debut to and among the most successful in making the step up. Composed on the ball and comfortable on the left side of a back three, he very much represents the change in emphasis that has occurred under Southgate. GAMES 4 CLEAN SHEETS 4 JOE GOMEZ will turn 21 only days before Southgate names his squad ahead of the June 4 deadline, but Gomez is a versatile talent and the kind of defender the manager wants. Played for less than 10 minutes in Holland and has pulled out of the Italy game with the injury suffered in Amsterdam. GAMES 3 CLEAN SHEETS 3 PHIL JONES Southgate likes Jones, and if the Manchester United defender is fit he will want to take him. Strong defensively but also very good on the ball, he remains a man for the big occasion. Fitness is the key, though, having made only four appearances for Southgate. GAMES 4 CLEAN SHEETS 2 JOHN STONES He hasn’t started a league game for Manchester City in two months but Southgate is breaking his own rules with Stones, such is his admiration for him. He is second only to walker in minutes played under the boss and is sure to start on June 18. GAMES 12 CLEAN SHEETS 9 RYAN BERTRAND Another regular under Southgate, but perhaps more importantly a regular at Southampton and a full back the England manager likes. Having a better season than Tottenham’s Danny Rose, so is expected to be first choice on the left side. GAMES 10 CLEAN SHEETS 6 ASHLEY YOUNG on the bench behind rose in Amsterdam but his form for Manchester United — and rose’s problems at Spurs — might well lead to a surprise selection. It is a close call and one Southgate will be thinking about. GAMES 2 CLEAN SHEETS 2
MIDFIELDERS
ERIC DIER Southgate sees Dier as a player with great authority as well as versatility. He has said he sometimes uses him as a sounding board because of his tactical nous and he has a vision of the Spurs midfielder running the game from the middle of that back three. Has to try it against Italy, surely. GAMES 12 GOALS 1 JORDAN HENDERSON Sometimes accused of lacking ambition in possession but Southgate likes Henderson and, in the likely absence of Jack Wilshere, sees him as the man to sit in front of Dier. He provides security and leadership. GAMES 9 GOALS 0 DELE ALLI Coming under some pressure after a slightly erratic season but certainly on the plane and probably in the team. Jesse Lingard and Adam Lallana are a threat, though. GAMES 10 GOALS 1 JESSE LINGARD Southgate picked Lingard in his first game in charge and the Manchester United man now has nine caps and a secure spot in the squad. Won’t be far away from the starting XI. GAMES 9 GOALS 1 JAKE LIVERMORE Would not be the most inspiring selection compared to players such as Jack Wilshere, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Harry Winks, but English defensive midfielders are in short supply. GAMES 6 GOALS 0 ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN Another player who will be sweating on selection, but as things stand he probably has a seat on the plane. He’s made seven appearances for Southgate and played an important part against the Dutch. GAMES 7 GOALS 1 RAHEEM STERLING Such an important player for England, and beginning to look capable of transferring the form he has shown for Manchester City to the international stage. Kane might be the key to success but Sterling and Alli can provide the ammunition. GAMES 9 GOALS 0 ADAM LALLANA Hasn’t played a minute for England this season because of injury but Lallana is a player Southgate will want if he can end the season well. Not just skilful, but a player with a tremendous work ethic and eye for goal. GAMES 6 GOALS 2
STRIKERS
HARRY KANE His return from injury cannot come soon enough. By far the most important England player and a striker feared by every team in world football. He gives England a chance with his brilliance in front of goal. GAMES 6 GOALS 7 MARCUS RASHFORD Fine attitude and a good option even if it seems likely he will play the role of impact sub at the World Cup. Again, though, international defenders will be afraid of such a precociously gifted striker. GAMES 13 GOALS 1 JAMIE VARDY His pace offers something different and there is not an abundance of English goalscorers right now. Played 22 minutes on Friday without getting a touch but likely to start against Italy. GAMES 9 GOALS 2 DANNY WELBECK If Southgate had to make a straight choice between Welbeck and Daniel Sturridge and both forwards were fit, he would probably favour Sturridge. But right now Welbeck is the man in shape. GAMES 3 GOALS 1