TIRANA — This World Cup is going to be the weirdest in history.
There was an odd detachment to Qatar’s festival of sportswashing last time out but it didn’t impact the actual product. If anything, shunting the thing to winter and playing in cool desert evenings actually encouraged good football and more bravado.
This time there is a risk that the whole thing is overshadowed by what an utter logistical nightmare it is going to prove. No one knows yet what the precise format is going to be – where are the groups going to be centred is still unknown – but there is going to be humidity, heat and a lot of time sat on aeroplanes.
England are proposing a base in Kansas but could yet end up with a group that takes them to Seattle, Vancouver and Los Angeles. That is one of the easier combinations. Others might see them zig-zag time zones and climates across a super-sized tournament that spans six weeks.
That means this World Cup is going to be a squad game – which is just as well when you consider some of the big calls Thomas Tuchel is going to have to make. My XI to take them to New Jersey means calls that would be jaw-dropping to other nations.
No Cole Palmer? It seems a stupendous shout given he scored the last time England actually faced opposition of note. Phil Foden’s also on the outside and so is Eberechi Eze, who will probably have a Premier League winners’ medal by the time the World Cup build-up gets underway.
But it is about balance, which is why these are the players to start the next World Cup…
Jordan Pickford
It was great to see Dean Henderson step in with minimum of fuss but Tuchel’s two easiest calls will be around England’s most experienced and reliable players.
Pickford doesn’t get the credit he deserves for his international performances, which have been consistently excellent.
He has been brilliant at every major tournament he has gone to and you can take it to the bank that it will be the same in 2026.
Reece James
Right-back is up for grabs. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s class means he is a contender, but James feels like the Rolls Royce option Tuchel favours.
Much will depend on fitness but the Chelsea man is in the box seat for the simple fact that there are few right-backs who are better technically.
John Stones
OK, it is probably three straightforward calls for Tuchel. Stones’ place in the side is beyond debate given his experience and importance. Interesting to see him step into midfield in Tirana – he has got the ability to do that.
Marc Guehi
Not just a fine player, also an emerging leader for England. Such is the calibre of his performances my only concern is the almost inevitable flurry of speculation around his future given he is set to be out of contract at Crystal Palace.
Lewis Hall
You just watch. He’s got seven months to make his case and when he gets a run of games he will graduate from the England Under-21s back into the seniors and nail down the left-back slot for his own.
Elliot Anderson
Only injury or an unthinkable flat-lining of form is going to break up a midfield duo which seems to have the perfect balance of athleticism and selflessness to allow England’s attack to flourish.
Anderson has taken to international football so seamlessly that he deserves his World Cup chance.
Declan Rice
He has been good in previous World Cups and Euros, but this is the one that he could really take by the scruff of its neck. He will be the next England captain when Kane eventually retires.
Anthony Gordon
What a strange season he’s having. There is a proper debate at Newcastle about whether he should even be starting for them, but when he pulls on an England shirt (or plays in the Champions League) he arrives with real purpose.
His directness is a major asset against the low blocks England are likely to encounter early on.
Jude Bellingham
Once again the main character in Tirana but can you really envisage a scenario where England win the World Cup without a few interventions from Bellingham?
It would be a brave England manager who doesn’t pick a Real Madrid starter when the serious stuff comes around.
Your next read
Bukayo Saka
England (really) miss him when he’s not playing. They have alternative options but none carry Saka’s unique threat.
Harry Kane
Remember those days when the nation fretted over an injury to David Beckham or Wayne Rooney in the run up to a major tournament? It would be similar if Kane was crocked before the summer.
Two goals in Albania was a reminder that even on quiet nights, he still delivers.
from Football - The i Paper https://ift.tt/ubyTZPj
Post a Comment