No goals scored and only three shots on target – it is fair to say England’s displays in their two end-of-year, prestige friendlies against Germany and Brazil were less than sparkling. However, the occasions did allow Gareth Southgate to fully test his increasingly favoured 3-5-2 formation and allow a host of players, some new, some old, to stake their claim for a place in his squad for next summer’s World Cup. The Guardian looks at how the 10 with the most to play for fared.
Jordan Pickford
One of six debutants across the matches, the 23-year-old played the entirety of the draw with Germany and impressed throughout, producing a string of excellent saves, most notably from Timo Werner, and catching the eye with his consistently excellent distribution. The Everton goalkeeper’s place in the squad is secure and he has emerged as a serious threat to Joe Hart for the No1 spot.
Should he go to Russia? Definitely
Harry Maguire
Among the few players to complete both games and did not disgrace himself in either. The 24-year-old Leicester City man was deployed on the left of England’s three-man defence and showed decent positioning and robustness. Maguire’s distribution, one of the reasons he was selected ahead of Chris Smalling, could have been better but it was hardly appalling.
Should he go to Russia? Definitely
Joe Gomez
Named man of the match against Brazil on the back of an assured display as the right-sided man of a back three. The 20-year-old, who also played the majority of the game against Germany after Phil Jones’s injury, has consistently done well for Liverpool this season and his versatility, alongside his athletic and technical talents, makes him a useful asset at senior level.
Should he go to Russia? Definitely
Jamie Vardy
Arguably the most intriguing selection given he started both games as part of a two-man frontline. Overall the 30-year-old Leicester forward did well, showing a willingness to attack space, close down defenders and link up with first Tammy Abraham and then Marcus Rashford. With Harry Kane a certainty to start once fit, Vardy did his chances of being the Tottenham Hotspur striker’s long-term partner no harm.
Should he go to Russia? Definitely
Ashley Young
Featured for 10 minutes against Brazil on what was his first showing on the international scene for four years. The 32-year-old produced an excellent block to stop Willian’s shot and delivered a decent delivery which Dominic Solanke arguably should have converted. Young’s experience and flexibility make the Manchester United man well worth consideration for a place in Southgate’s squad for next year’s finals.
Should he go to Russia? Possibly
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
Named man of the match against Germany, which led to some overboard assessments of the 21-year-old’s display. Yes, there were some impressive touches but, as Eric Dier said, it would be wrong to get carried away. It was a shame for Loftus-Cheek that he was forced off against Brazil with an early injury but all he can do is head back to Crystal Palace and continue to catch Southgate’s eye.
Should he go to Russia? Possibly
Jack Cork
He will always have those four minutes against Germany. Hard to judge someone who played for such a small amount of time but equally that may well be telling – the 28-year-old Burnley midfielder is talented and deserved his call-up after a long and varied career but it is hard to see him featuring again, especially after players such as Adam Lallana and Dele Alli are back from injury.
Should he go to Russia? No
Jake Livermore
Played almost the entirety of both games but the West Bromwich Albion midfielder made little impact and against Brazil in particular displayed poor ball retention and distribution skills. May get another call-up but appears not up to the standard required at the highest level.
Should he go to Russia? No
Tammy Abraham
How different things could have been for the 20-year-old had he connected with Vardy’s cross and scored after two minutes of his debut against Germany. But he failed to do so and became an increasingly frustrated figure up until his substitution on 60 minutes. A brief cameo against Brazil was not illuminating either and it feels as if the opportunity at senior level came too soon for the striker on loan at Swansea from Chelsea.
Should he go to Russia? No
Dominic Solanke
The 20-year-old’s call-up for the Brazil game was further testament to Southgate’s belief in giving youth a chance and there were some nice moments from the striker after he came on for Vardy on 75 minutes. But given he has played only 85 minutes of Premier League football since joining Liverpool in the summer, it is perhaps best Solanke’s development is not rushed.
Should he go to Russia? No
The Guardian Sport
