Heading 1: Questions for Gareth Southgate as England Prepare for Euro Qualifiers
England manager Gareth Southgate has plenty of questions to ponder as his side prepare for two crucial European qualifiers this month. Just 19 days after the Premier League season ended, England face Malta in Ta’ Qali on Friday, before playing North Macedonia at Old Trafford three days later. The World Cup quarter-finalists and runners-up at the last European Championship currently top their qualifying group, three points clear of third-placed Macedonia. With a cushion built, will Southgate play it safe, or experiment with his squad?
Heading 2: Should Stones be Used in Midfield?
Former Blackburn and Celtic striker Chris Sutton believes England “will never have a better chance” to try John Stones in midfield. The Manchester City defender turned number six has started several key matches in the middle for Pep Guardiola’s Treble winners this season, including their victorious FA Cup and Champions League finals. Stones excelled in the role against Inter Milan, having completed the most dribbles in a Champions League final since Lionel Messi in 2015.
“I’m so impressed, the way he steps up into midfield,” Sutton told BBC Radio 5 Live following City’s Champions League win. “It is food for thought for England but it would be a waste not to do it.” Former City and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper Shay Given added on BBC Radio 5 Live: “He has been phenomenal. A revelation [in midfield]. It says so much about his footballing brain.”
Heading 3: Who Could Replace Ivan Toney?
Harry Kane is a shoo-in as England’s number one centre-forward. The Tottenham talisman is England’s record goalscorer having scored 55 in 82 appearances for the Three Lions. But could this month be a good time for Southgate to test the waters with some of England’s back-up forwards, and if so, who? Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who made his Three Lions debut against Ukraine in March, is serving a ban for breaching the Football Association’s betting rules and cannot play again until January 2024. Southgate said Toney would have been in the squad and that it was “disappointing” that he could not be selected.
Heading 4: Who Could Step Up?
With Toney unavailable, Southgate has a number of options to choose from. Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham has been in good form since Thomas Tuchel took over at Stamford Bridge, scoring 12 goals in his last 18 appearances for the Blues. Leicester City’s Jamie Vardy has also been prolific this season, netting 23 times in all competitions. West Ham United’s Jesse Lingard has enjoyed a resurgence since joining the Hammers on loan from Manchester United, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in just 13 appearances.
Southgate also has the option of selecting one of England’s younger forwards. Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood has scored 11 goals in all competitions this season, while Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka has been impressive since breaking into the Gunners’ first team last season.
Heading 5: Conclusion
Southgate has plenty of decisions to make ahead of England’s two Euro qualifiers this month. He must decide whether to experiment with his squad or play it safe, whether to use John Stones in midfield, and who to select as his back-up forwards with Ivan Toney unavailable. With so many options available, Southgate will have to make some tough choices if England are to qualify for Euro 2024 in Germany.