MISSION POSSIBLE
The six problem areas Southgate must urgently address to make his England side a genuine force at World Cup next summer
GARETH SOUTHGATE has just eight months to put an end to England’s World Cup misery.
But he admits that is not enough time to work miracles and make the Three Lions a real force to be reckoned with in Russia next summer.
England have a remarkable 38-game unbeaten run in qualifiers but have managed just three knockout wins in major tournaments since the 1990 Italy World Cup.
Expectations have never been lower, following last year’s Euros disaster against Iceland and a worst-ever performance at a World Cup finals after failing to get out of their group in 2014.
But Southgate has key issues and worries to tackle by next summer if he is to turn around the nation’s World Cup fortunes.
The Three Lions boss (left) said: “There are lots of things we believe we can look at, we know a certain direction we want to take the team in, but qualifying campaigns are tough, you are trying to evolve.
“Now we look at how we build and evolve the team and improve the team. That is the job of a coach because in international football you don’t have a chequebook of hundreds of millions.
“So we have to coach and work to improve people and to improve the team and that is the great challenge.”
It is certainly a challenge. But here are the key issues Southgate must tackle.
1 PLAY WITH STYLE TO WIN BACK THE FANS
ENGLAND have learned how to win ugly – but that is the only way they seem to know. It was a turn-off against Slovenia, the travelling fans left early in Malta last month and the team laboured against Slovakia at Wembley a few days later.
None of those nations are European super powers.
Southgate has tried to get England to build and play out from the back, using a 4-2-3-1 system, but in doing so they have become almost more tedious than under Roy Hodgson, who was at least a bit more direct.
They have to find some rhythm, speed and movement to bring the best out of players – Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Kyle Walker to name but three – who are playing with such style with their clubs but struggle to find their best for their country.
Southgate must look at a back three, get a midfield system that works and get the confidence back. At the moment, the fans have lost heart and are turned off by the dull football.
2 BRING DELE ALLI BACK DOWN TO EARTH
ENGLAND are not blessed with world-class talents but Alli is the best hope on that front.
For goals and assists, he is Tottenham’s greatest asset, but is struggling for form for club and country. Why?
There are growing concerns within the England set-up that Alli is getting carried away with all the hype, all the talk of mega money moves abroad. He is changing agents, was punished for his middlefinger salute, caught diving and there are question marks about the advice he is getting off the pitch.
Spurs are confident of
tying Alli down to a new contract, which would be a big help because it would stop talk of Madrid and Barcelona – and get his feet back on the ground.
Alli has also struggled to get his best form for England and Southgate must find the best way to use his most exciting talent.
3 THE MIDFIELD CONUNDRUM
IS there a way back for Jack Wilshere? England’s midfield against Slovenia was awful, the partnership of Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson just didn’t gel. Dier was given a chasing, Henderson had an off night.
But more than anything, England lacked the craft of a top-quality passer, someone to unlock the opposition with a through ball. It once again raised the issue of Wilshere, who has been on the comeback trail with Arsenal although he has yet to start a Premier League game this season.
Can Southgate see Wilshere getting back in?
“Well, we are in a position where there is no way we would dismiss any creative player but, of course, people have to be playing and they have to be playing at a good level,” said Southgate.
That has effectively opened the door for Wilshere. Adam Lallana will come back after injury. But England need more quality, and if Wilshere can prove his fitness then he may have a chance.
4 WHAT DO THEY DO IF THE UNTHINKABLE HAPPENS – AND HARRY KANE IS INJURED?
KANE is England’s best hope, he at least is scoring.
But do England have a Plan B in case the worst happens? Daniel Sturridge (right, top) is terrific but not playing regularly. Jamie Vardy (right, centre) has struggled with injuries. Jermain Defoe (right, bottom) has dipped at Bournemouth. Then what? England need options to avoid Kane’s fitness becoming a national obsession.
The other concern is players not appearing regularly. Eric Dier, for example, may lose his place at Spurs when Victor Wanyama is fit again and then England are stuck.
5 FIND A HAPPY HOME IN RUSSIA
ENGLAND are close to signing a contract for a base in Russia – the ForRestMix Club 20 minutes outside St Petersburg. It is a luxury hotel and spa but without the lavish trappings of the past which indulged the superstar egos and their WAGs. If there is a desire to keep it simple, Southgate is on the right lines. “We’ve had a look at a few different bases, we’ve got a couple of different options but we’re happy with all of those options. The most important thing is to have a base which is exclusively ours. It gives the players a chance to relax, it’s important, I want their families to be able to come in at the right moments.
“Base camps don’t win tournaments, environment can play a part, but tactical, technical ability on the field will win it.
“I think we will create a base camp that the players enjoy, with an atmosphere they will enjoy being a part of. They are going to have a fantastic life experience.”
6 FIND A WILDCARD TO SHAKE UP THE SQUAD
LAST time it was Marcus Rashford. He burst onto the scene in February last year and four months later went to the Euros.
Is there an outsider this time? There are three players on the fringes with a genuine chance. Harry Winks (right, top) was drafted into the senior squad for his passing and control in midfield. With England short of options, he has a shot.
Southampton winger Nathan Redmond (right) has been in squads under Southgate. If he can find top form he must be considered with Alex OxladeChamberlain struggling.
Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah (right) is the anchorman Southgate wants. Having fractured a kneecap he is short of time, but if fit, he will be in.