PICK YOUR STRONGEST SIDE, BEAT BELGIUM AND SEND SHOCKWAVES HOCKW

ENGLAND’S players need to be honest with Gareth Southgate. If anyone has a knock or a problem which might hinder them later in the tournament, then tell the manager. Tell him you are not worth risking and that you could do with a rest. Be grown-up about it. Otherwise, why should Southgate change a thing? If the players say they are feeling fresh, play them. Momentum is a big thing in football, so England should keep it going. Why stop now? Put out a strong side, beat Belgium, make it three wins out of three, finish top of the group and send shockwaves around the place. People at home are enjoying what England are doing in Russia — loving it, in fact — and so are the players. Why wouldn’t you want to play in this team? This is the best I have seen England perform for years, so let’s keep the run going rather than potentially bringing it t to an end. end After A disappointing exits at other major tournaments, plenty would say, ‘The players look tired’ or ‘English football needs a winter break’. That is no excuse. Southgate’s current crop of players look as fit and fresh as I have ever seen them, so let’s give them the game time they want, Harry Kane included. Who would Southgate drop if he brought in others? If Dele Alli is not quite right, then rest him, and use Ruben Loftus-Cheek again. Be sensible. Why risk one of your best players if he is not back to 100 per cent? This is the time when Southgate just needs to have a conversation with the individuals in his squad to find out how they are feeling. No unnecessary risks, but then let’s go out there with a strong team and beat Belgium. What a statement that would be.