Alan Shearer has backed Phil Foden to occupy the 10 role in England’s team but has snubbed Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kobbie Mainoo in his starting XI ahead of their Euro 2024 opener
Alan Shearer has overlooked Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kobbie Mainoo when naming his ideal England starting XI.
Debate has increased with the Three Lions heading off to Euro 2024 ahead of their opening game against Serbia on Sunday. Tipped by many to go all the way, the Three Lions boast a hugely impressive squad of 26 which gives Gareth Southgate plenty of options.
Shearer has come up with his XI – several of which are nailed are on – the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Kyle Walker. Others form part of a wider debate with Manchester United’s teenage sensation and Liverpool’s hybrid midfielder both missing out.
The ex-England frontman has instead picked Phil Foden in a central role, rather than pushing him out wide, like many expect Southgate to do. That impacta on the number of midfielders who can be picked but Shearer insists it is crucial the Manchester City man plays in the middle.
He said on The Rest is Football podcast : “I’m playing him just in front of Bellingham and [Declan] Rice, he has to be in that position because he affects the game so much. He wants to get on the ball, he’s brilliant on the ball and he’s got better and better this season. He’s been absolutely magnificent and I really hope he plays in that 10 position rather than on the left-hand side because that’s his best position.”
Rice plays with Declan Rice and Bellingham. Kane leads the line with Bukayo Saka another certainty. But on the other flank Shearer has opted for Anthony Gordon after a stellar season with Newcastle, in which he scored or assisted 21 times.
In defence the absence of Harry Maguire, for so long a stalwart under Southgate, leaves a major hole that requires filling. Alongside John Stones Shearer has backed Marc Guehi to play with Kieran Trippier shifting over to the left-back role due to the fitness issues surrounding Luke Shaw.
He said: “Harry Maguire’s going to be a big miss, at both ends of the pitch. I would go with Guehi but it’s a big concern for England, the defence. Luke Shaw is the only alternative to Trippier but he’s a gamble given his fitness. I would go with Trippier. He hasn’t had as good as a season as he did the previous one but with his experience I would trust him in that position.”
Shearer concluded: “I think we should be super excited about this team. The front half of that team is incredible, there’s so much talent in that team.”
Shearer’s England starting XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Bellingham, Foden; Saka, Kane, Gordon
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