No bullshit: 10 hot takes on England’s World Cup qualification
The Three Lions are going to Russia, but does anyone care? And is Southgate the man to restore pride to the national team? This is what we know so far.
It could be worse
Watching England isn’t an enjoyable experience, but at least they’ll be at next year’s World Cup.
Holland and Wales definitely won’t be, while better nations than England have also laboured through qualifying.
It could be better
This isn’t a golden generation, but England do have lots of players who are good at football.
While it is unrealistic to expect their club form to be replicated at international level, it is not unreasonable to think they can perform with more intelligence and creativity than was shown against Slovenia and Lithuania.
All eyes on Gareth
Southgate’s no-bullshit policy when speaking to reporters means he talks a good game.
On the pitch, however, it is not obvious what impact he has had. There is no difference between this England team and the one that qualified for Euro 2016 under Roy Hodgson.
Now their place at the World Cup has been confirmed – which was Southgate’s remit upon getting the job in mitigating circumstances – the manager must create a game plan that is both easy enough to implement and to his players’ strengths.
Confirming England will play three at the back is a good start.
Gareth Southgate stops at traffic lights on Grand Theft Auto.
— Ollie Davis (@Ollie_Davis) October 5, 2017
England are not a possession team
Fortunately, there is no pressure – from the supporters, at least – for them to be.
Glenn Hoddle said it best in co-commentary during the Lithuania game: England should be a counter-attacking side that defend deep and draw opponents on to them.
Dynamic players such as Dele Alli, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Kyle Walker and Danny Rose would benefit. So would England’s workmanlike midfielders.
What is Henderson?
The criticism Henderson gets on Twitter is grim, but it is remarkable that a player who has never had a good game for England in almost 40 appearances is poised to be an automatic starter in Russia (and probably vice-captain).
Neither a creator nor a protector, perhaps the role of water-carrier in a 3-4-3 will bring the best out of him.
I forgot that Jordan Henderson cost £20m. In today’s market, with players going for £50m+, the £20m still seems a total waste of money.
— FK (@fkhanage) October 4, 2017
Winks is an option
Mauricio Pochettino calls him the "perfect midfielder", and Winks did a lot of good things on his debut, albeit against limited opposition.
There is a place in the squad for a player who can pass the ball intelligently and efficiently.
So is Wilshere
The biggest threat to Winks' participation.
If Wilshere is match-fit when the World Cup comes around, he has to go.
Kane should be captain
It’s not going to be the difference between England winning the World Cup and not, but it would be weird if Southgate gave the captaincy to anyone else.
Kane’s the team's best player and a perfect professional, and four goals in four games as skipper indicates that he’s comfortable wearing the armband.
15 - Harry Kane has scored 15 goals in his last 10 matches in all competitions for club and country. Flourishing. pic.twitter.com/umy4kBorGm
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) October 8, 2017
There is competition for places
In pretty much every position but central midfield.
Jack Butland looked the part against Lithuania, while Kieran Trippier and Harry Maguire also did enough to earn further opportunities.
Alli, Rashford and Sterling are fine options to support Kane, but not all of them can start – especially when Adam Lallana returns from injury.
The absent Phil Jones, Danny Rose and Jamie Vardy will also be important members of the final party.
Southgate: "In my year in charge, Adam Lallana has been our best player and we've not had him for the last three matches." pic.twitter.com/oKDbj8tP9m
— Anything Liverpool (@AnythingLFC_) October 7, 2017
Who’s on the plane?
Predicting the 23 names that Southgate will take to Russia is a fun, but pointless, exercise at this point.
A lot can change in nine months.
Just ask Kieran Gibbs, Jonjo Shelvey and Danny Ings, who featured when England played Lithuania in their final Euro 2016 qualifier two years ago, but were nowhere near being selected when the tournament started.
A surprise name or two - think Alli, Rose and Eric Dier - will emerge over the course of the season. They always do.