Southgate backs Stones to use Anfield clash as England platform
Gareth Southgate is convinced John Stones has moved on from his summer setback with England and believes Manchester City’s visit to Anfield today will provide the central defender with the ideal platform ahead of his international return.
Stones was named in Southgate’s squad for the forthcoming Euro 2020 qualifiers against Montenegro and Kosovo for the first time since June’s Nations League semi-final with Holland, when his extra-time error contributed to England’s defeat.
Southgate admitted he left the defender out of the third-place play-off with Switzerland to give him some breathing space, while injuries prevented him being included in the past two squads. Now, however, the 25-yearold is fully fit and, having started City’s past two Premier League games, is expected to be part of Pep Guardiola’s side who will attempt to close the gap on leaders Liverpool this afternoon.
It is exactly the kind of challenge Southgate thinks the defender needs and the manager believes the top-ofthe-table meeting will allow the centre-back to return to the England line-up with confidence fully restored.
“I think he’s a brave player and I think that actually, for him, it will be something that he’s able to get on with pretty quickly,” Southgate said, when asked if Stones would feel any aftereffects from the Holland game when he returns to the England side.
“It’s more important to me how John’s playing at that moment with his club. I think I said after that, I didn’t play him the game after because I felt he wanted to be in a confident place when he next played for England and if he can come through this weekend strongly, then that’s where he’d be, I would think.
“We know the quality he has and he’s played such an important part in our run to the World Cup semi-final, a couple of matches on the way to the Nations League and then a really difficult period at the end of last season, beginning of this, with injuries.
“Clearly there’s always competition for places at a club like Manchester City and if you can establish yourself there, then you’re in a good place to be in good form when you come with us. The games that he’s played in so far, he’s looked fine, but they are not always tested without the ball and I think this Sunday they certainly will be.”
Stones could be one of six of Southgate’s squad on view at Anfield, alongside team-mate Raheem Sterling and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jordan Henderson, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Joe Gomez.
“In the ideal scenario, you want players that are playing Champions League football, playing in matches where they’re pushing to win trophies, because the extra pressure that comes with those games is what you have to deal with for England,” Southgate said.
Block middle of the pitch
It is likely Pep Guardiola will opt for the same fluid 4-2-3-1/ 4-1-4-1 shape he used in the Community Shield, with Kevin De Bruyne partnered by Ilkay Gundogan, behind David Silva. The idea is to force Liverpool wide and prevent them
Three ways City can beat Liverpool
steamrolling their way through the centre. City will press higher up the pitch when play allows. By sitting in a block, they can control the game without the ball, forcing Liverpool to figure out ways to play in the front three.
Stop full-backs
centre of the pitch gives Liverpool’s creative fullbacks freedom. Guardiola may position Raheem Sterling and Bernardo Silva or Riyad Mahrez high and wide behind the full-backs when Liverpool are in their own half, to keep Trent AlexanderArnold and Andy Robertson away
Do not drop too deep
City are brilliant at keeping the ball but Liverpool’s lower 82.8 per cent passing accuracy is down to a more direct style. Mistakes can allow the counterattack.