Leicester’s Jamie Vardy and Tottenham’s Deli Alli have been two of the surprise success stories in the Premier League this summer. Both in contention to win the title – should they be in England’s Euro 2016 starting XI?
The first point to make is that both will almost certainly be in the squad. We pray that injury doesn’t prevent this and ideally they’ll take their current form into France this summer.
It’s very different sitting on the bench during an international tournament and starting games in an international tournament. So, let’s produce a few arguments on whether Alli and Vardy should be in.
First up, I think it’s extremely unlikely the Leicester man will start England’s opener against Russia. If things don’t go well, he could work his way in, but most Euro 2016 tips experts will surely agree that he’s an outsider to be in from the word go?
This is despite the fact he’s been so good this season and shown himself to be one of the most dangerous English strikers around. Quite simply though – he excels for Leicester, but it might not work for England.
Is Hodgson going to play high-pressing, counter-attacking football to suit Vardy’s strengths? No. Is he going to play Vardy as the main central striker and be prepared to play a direct style of play for the 29-year-old to run onto? No.
Unfortunately, his role will be from the bench.
It’s a different story for Alli though. He’s been SO good for Tottenham and plays with a great deal of freedom. The natural talent of this boy is surely too good to ignore. In my opinion, it’d be a huge waste to not play Alli for every minute possible.
The former MK Dons man is an unknown quantity on the international stage, has bundles of energy, superb techincal ability and knows where the goal is. He HAS to play!
For the record, here’s the starting XI I’d go with and where Alli fits in – along with some other in-form youngsters!
Hart
Walker Stones Smalling Baines
Barkley Henderson
Walcott Alli Sterling
Kane
It was a good piece until you put Walcott in your starting line up. Shocking player.
Good piece however Walcott shouldn’t start and should be replaced by Eric Dier best defensive midfielder in English Football this season.
No defensive midfielder, Walcott in the lineup, stones and baroness playing. No. Just no.