The English Future

An analytical look into a fantasy England squad that could be turning out onto pitches in some years to come.

Some of the 2018 World Cup Squad in Celebration

Credited with creating ‘The Beautiful Game’, the English national team has, somewhat contradictory not enjoyed much success. With a Golden Generation hampered with in-fighting and squabbles that led to a few failed tournament campaigns, the teams not seen any major success by means of either honours or respectability since 1966. 2018 was the golden opportunity, yet still Southgate and his men managed to come up short. That in mind, the Three Lions have a promising pool of players that’ll be undoubted future stars and could morph into a giant of the international scene, and now with that in mind, let’s have a look at what could be!

[Stats accurate at time of writing] (Up front: This is all conjecture and predictions, so to keep from using nothing but crystal ball work there are a few noticeable names)

Formation: 4-3-3 (Flat with a License)

Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson

Hendo in action for Sheffield United

Very much embodying the modern goalkeeper in all senses of that word, Henderson has the potential to play at the very top of the English game if not beyond that, his only current issue being an uncertainty with parent club Manchester United. Notching up 75 league appearances at Sheffield United as the Bladesmen, lead by a Chris Wilder returned to top flight glory and stunned just about everybody on their march to a position in the top 10, the Whitehaven born stopper is a top level Athlete. Standing at 6’2”, his spring and cat like agility are astounding, a very comfortable shot stopper who resembles his club mate De Gea in some respects, namely the relaxed playstyle and tendency to save with feet/legs. The man also has an excellent distribution ability with the power to ping a ball onto a penny from the other end of the pitch. The minute he has a secure future at a club with an identity and goal, the Sky is the limit. Dean’s got some other notable aspects as well, a commander of his box and a large personality, he’s the ideal man to have between the sticks and build strong foundations off. Though capable of a blunder at times, evidenced by his error in the Blades’ home fixture against Liverpool, Wilder and his staff would be remiss for not trying to pursue him on a permanent basis and it’s clear he’s next in line to inherit the gloves of the Three Lions national team.

Backups/Alternatives: Marcus Dewhurst, Jordan Pickford

Pickford - writing this with the assumption that this squad will make the pitch in some time in the next 5-10 years, Pickford will be one of the few old heads in the squad and might well be a bit part player in the international scene. Having recently cracked a century of appearances for the blue half of Merseyside, Pickford is a similar stature to Henderson and shares many of the pros and cons. Having risen to stardom since breaking out with Sunderland in what turned out to be their final season in the Premier League, his errors are perhaps amplified to a ridiculous level that really damage his image but with currently 24 caps for England, he’ll have the number 1 shirt till Henderson is deemed worthy of it.

Above Pickford Celebrating, below Marcus Dewhurst in action

Dewhurst - A fellow Bladesman of Henderson and another ‘keeper who‘s been given a chance in the Sheffield United set up, Dewhurst is a bit of an outside shout as it stands. Aged 19 and likely to be the youngest player on this list by a country mile, many are touting the youngster to become a prominent figure at Bramall Lane next season in the void that might be left by Hendo And he’s shown remarkable promise. Having been farmed out on multiple loans to get that much needed experience that youngsters require, Dewhurst is held in very high regard by the staff at the Blades and it’s a matter of time before the youth international gets a first team run out in some capacity. Made in the mould of the aforementioned stoppers, he possesses all the factors needed to become a star in his own right.

Right Back: Aaron Wan-Bissaka

Aaron Wan-Bissaka in the Manchester Derby

The inclusion of ‘The Spider’ probably gives away my plans for current league champion Trent, but Wan-Bissaka would be a solid fit for this squad. Its an odd one in all reality as, if we‘re to decide who is the best athlete for this position I’d have to give it to Chelsea man James as he‘s a remarkable ‘all-rounder’ and has TAA & AWB beat in that department but there is something not yet complete to him in my eyes and I think it’s down to him being underused at Chelsea. Anyway, AWB has immense physical make up though it’s often not seen in full flight, he beats all competition to this spot as AWB is a superior defender and capable in attack, to use a basketball term, he’s a “Two-Way” player. Having had a pretty poor international career so far, Wan-Bissaka is yet to be included in the first team fold but it is only a matter of time till his league performances are rewarded. Master of the recovery challenge, a calm presence at the back and a good option on the overlap, AWB is a safe bet for future England Star.

Backups/Alternatives: Reece James/CB Cover

James - A fantastic athlete who really has sky high potential on the football sense, James has impressed in pretty much every outing in both the Championship and Premier League. The 6 foot tall full back is a combination of his peers TAA & AWB and will develop massively, it’s just down to Lampard’s management and to be honest I‘m far from impressed by his lack of rotation and fantasy collection of Attackers it could be a worrying time for some of these youngsters in West London

Reece James in action for the England youth teams

Other - Centre back is another deep, rich position for the English and with some of those coming through at the minute being more mobile, see the likes of Joe Gomez or Fikayo Tomori for instance, these youngsters have played cover in this position, both of whom have done it for England on full international outings and there is the option of Alexander-Arnold too, so in all honesty, the RB spot is well covered.

Right Centre Back: Harry Maguire

One Of the few from the ‘old guard’ who makes this XI, Maguire will likely be in his 30s at this point but his defensive prowess will likely negate his ageing, hulk of a frame. Once the generation of Stones and Maguire are phased out, there is a significant shift in the type of footballer who occupies this position. In a wider sense, Liverpool’s Virgil is the ideal CB, physical unit, ace defender and fast, those genes are almost eliminated from the future pool of English talent. Maguire‘s frame is a lethal aerial presence and his size can be used at both ends of the pitch with his knowledge being shared among his younger peers. His flat footed-ness could be a major weakness by this stage as his South Yorkshire peers aren’t there to cover him, but the Sheffield born brute would be well protected from

his midfield and have capable runners around him in the back line. Possible captain material, Maguire is part of the brigade who are passing the torch.

Harry Maguire captaining his Manchester United side

Backups/Alternatives: Fikayo Tomori

Tomori- A superior footballer in terms of technical ability, Tomori is the new wave of centre back. You may consider him undersized to those who occupied this slot prior, but still over 6 feet he’s a slightly more slender unit and is better suited as a facilitator/back up as it stands. With the nation yet to master the art of playing out from the back, it’s a tricky phase of being between two play styles and as it stands, is better off having a foot in both worlds so to speak.

Fikayo Tomori in action at Chelsea

Left Centre Back: Joe Gomez

Being an uncountable Star in a few years time, the Catfrod born operator will have learnt from the best and won god knows however many accolades/titles with Liverpool. Likely forming into what Stones was promised to be and enhanced from years of partnership with Virgil Van Dijk, if Gomez can outgrow his niggling injury problems, his on ball quality will circumvent the complete void of left footed CB’s that plagued the Selection pool. With the future of the game moving more in line with this type of centre back, Gomez is nailed on to become one of the most cultured heads of the game And a frightful prospect.

Gomez during warm ups on International Duty

Backups/Alternatives: Michael Keane/Other

Keane - Another Maguire type defender is a promising look for the squad and offers that more physical stature. That said, he is impressively confident on the ball and has impressed in that style, hence his move to Everton and a handful of England caps to boot. With that in mind though he’s likely a call-up that is more towards the bottom of the contact list and you can’t really tell whether or not his form will ever really take off which is a little bit of a shame and frankly he could’ve formed a lethal back three but it just never materialised.

Above: Keane with England, Godfrey celebrating (middle), Declan Rice mid-play (bottom)

Other - Declan Rice could be a CB option on either side, and as best as it is having that squad depth and somewhat reincarnation of “Total Football”, I’d much favour a natural defensive option in the shape of a Ben Godfrey, someone who just needs to take that next step and become a premier league, permanent fixture rather than yo-yoing divisions at Norwich

Left Back: Ben Chilwell

Part of the iconic Leicester squad who won the league, Chilwell has benefitted significantly from guaranteed game time in a strong squad and has really come into his own this past year. A top tier athlete, his forward supporting role is key to Rodgers’ brand of football. With 11 caps for England as it stands, he packs a thunderous left footed shot but his output does leave a bit to be desired, only contributing a total of 7 goals in all comps, he’s the platform to shine and practically no competition at either club or country level. Having a free run at the spot, Chilly as he’s affectionately known will reach bigger and better things.

Chilwell whipping in a cross for England

Backups/Alternatives: Bukayo Saka, Danny Rose

Saka - Would be moonlighting as a full/wing back like at club level but it is nice to have an option at least. I prefer him as a back up winger but he’s proven to be a capable defender when standing in for Tierney at club level and has a natural ability to be an asset when attacking going forward, quite similar to Chilwell in some regards. Rose - As a player, his stock has dropped significantly since his leave from Tottenham, and it’s nice to see him get a run out at Newcastle, but I can’t see the Doncaster born full back offering much I’m playing terms for England but I like his vocalist and sense he’s a presence in the dressing room and could really help his young peers

Danny Rose and Bukayo Saka playing for Newcastle and Arsenal respectively

Central Midfield (Left): Dele

Second starter of only a handful of players from the current England squad, Dele Is the smartest choice for link up play when making use of Harry Kane (spoiler). He’s a natural and thoroughly fleshed our relationship with the clinical English striker and is a seriously underrated talent. The man also seems to defy time, still young at only 24, he walks a fine line of becoming Ross Barkley 2.0, useful but not a star, or fulfilling on the promise he’s shown since a teen at MK Dons. Ideally he would’ve become his best version under Pochettino but sadly their excellent working relationship came to an end. This spot in the midfield is one I’d put the most creative pressure on, whoever has this shirt has the responsibility of making things happen and need to be naturally attacking to get the most out of the formation. Dele is an astute dribbler, a capable scorer with a repertoire of finishes and great vision. He can easily provide that link between midfield and attack.

Dele in action during his years at MK Dons

Backups/Alternatives: James Maddison

Maddison - Obviously the squad has more depth than just one back up option but if I’m to aim for ’like for like’ types of options, Maddison is the next best thing. Now a full international, he offers more of an emphasis on creativity rather than providing by means of goal scoring. Dele could easily assimilate to playing a second striker Role Where Maddison would struggle but that’s why the midfield has a ‘license’, to play to the best attributes of individuals. The Leicester midfielder is a set piece specialist and has a killer whip of a delivery, he deserves a first team berth but at this point is still playing second fiddle to a more established creator

Maddison (Right) striking a free kick in the rain

Central Midfield (Centre): Declan Rice

Comes as little surprise, with a 4-3-3 you need a perfectly balanced and weighted midfield and Rice Offers that here. Able to drop back and moonlight as a central defender, the West Ham Star offers the squad an anchor. He’s naturally more of a defender and that is needed here, Dele hasn’t got that mind set sharpened enough to play here and though Trent could play deep and channel Pirlo, I’d prefer him to play wider and accommodate for his strong foot to get a hold of the game like Jordan Henderson does at club level for the reds. Rice is a presence physically and has an imposing nature with a bit of fire that’s needed to keep the possession ticking over and protect defence.

[Rice Image]

Backups/Alternatives: Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Harry Winks

Loftus Cheek - Might be wishful thinking to consider him, still, look at Dele’s advancement for his peer in Age or how some of these players have already surpassed him but RLC has a use. He showed in 2018 at the World Cup, he’s a capable runner and that’s quality you’d need here given the fact his midfield partners would be camped higher up the pitch. Sizeable frame with undoubtable athlete credentials, his running and defensive abilities is what’s needed here.

Above: Winks in protest, Below: Loftus-Cheek playing a ball

Winks - A physically different stature, I’ll concede that but Winks has that fire for defence shared by the other options. Perhaps a bit more immobile when compared to the other two, Winks beats the other suggestions on the ability to keep play ticking over, a role Pochettino made him a master of.

Central Midfield (Right): Trent Alexander-Arnold

It was outlined upfront TAA would be in midfield and as much as it has been said to death at this point, the man is clearly capable of taking up this mantle. In fairness, his play style practically accommodates for a midfielder in everything but name: he always seems to be the main facilitator for play in the reds’ squad, has incredible passing range, vision and technique, and a pin point, thunderous free kick. Moving centrally allows for the defence to be more assured by including a more reliable option and freeing him up to be creative as he likes. With that in mind though TAA needs a run out at club level in this spot before he takes it up for the Three lions. In a central role I can see him becoming more of a goal threat only you’d lose his crossing ability unless he attacks the box from its corners or takes control of set pieces. In all TAA is more than capable of that role with ease.

TAA smiling with joy after netting against Leicester

Backups/Alternatives: Lewis Cook, Joseph Willock

Cook - Overlooked wildly, but to a degree his move to the Prem hasn’t panned out all that well. He’s a great on ball player and would be more fit to carry possession rather than playmaker like Trent. In some ways he is the rebirth of Jordan Henderson and has similar Qualities to the ex-Sunderland star. He‘s a workhorse and can be a good fit in this 3

Above: Willock celebrating, Below: Cook turning on the ball

Willock - Another promising Arsenal youngster, Willock is a mix of everything. He’s a confident passer on the ball and has the movement some of these players lack, added with a slight more dash of a goal scorer, having netted 5 times this season. Making 22 appearances he’s left a good impression on Arteta and has established himself in the first team. Capable of playing 2/3 positions in midfield, he’s a top prospect.

Right Wing: Jadon Sancho

Wingers are much like the right back position for England. I’m risking it however by picking Sancho here, though his peers and friends in the form of Nelson and Hudson-Odoi are also promising. I think fairly though, Sancho has a higher ceiling and is further along in terms of progression that his friends from home. Having the bravery to leave Manchester City as a teen, the commitment to do so and willingness also is exactly why this spot will be his for years to come. With a stacked forward line who can all play fluidly, with the exception of Kane, Sancho has the potential to outdo Sterling and become the English Messi (to use another football cliche). His dribbling is stellar, frankly some of the best I’ve seen period, he’s balanced which is what makes it elite standard. His final ball is often unnoticed despite grabbing 17 assists this season, he can dribble at speed, has a vast array of skills and a signature nutmeg that has humbled some seriously world class stars. Whether he stays at Dortmund this summer and beyond or leads, Sancho is destined to become a star. It’s also worth looking at his Dortmund peers, having solid partnerships with Julian Brandt, Erling Halaand and Marco Reus, you can see some similarities in the England squad with some equally skilled talents. With a finish you can’t teach he’s going to be a world beater.

Sancho in conversation with BVB manager Lucien Favre

Backups/Alternatives: Raheem Sterling, Reiss Nelson Sterling - An old man round camp at this stage, Sterling’s knowledge will be priceless around camp. We all know his game by this point and he can still offer a lot when he gets on the pitch

Above: Nelson getting subbed off, Below: Sterling roaring with celebration

Nelson - Not yet granted the first team opportunity he requires, Nelson looks promising. I think he’s more of a playmaker than lethal finisher and that distinction is key, offering another angle and dimension to play.

Striker: Harry Kane

Outlined from early, Kane will be the star and likely still squad Captain. A unique physical build Kane is and always will be a lethal finisher. He’s proved a capable scorer of all kinds of goals and I’d say he’s nailed on to break scoring records in both the Premier League and England National Team. He can lead the team or contribute with assists and is a total asset. Though he lacks in mobility, he’s the No.9 that’ll inspire generations, a true talent

Kane Peeling off in celebration during a champions league game

Backups/Alternatives: Mason Greenwood, Rhian Brewster

Greenwood - Let it be known right now, I back him to be the man that replaces Kane In the long term. He’s shown in flashes some excellent finishing ability, a high standard of play akin to that shown by Rashford during his break out year and a physical build similar to Kane. Another who’s ceiling is sky high, Greenwood looks to be the only party who benefitted from the sale of Lukaku so he could get a solid run in the first team.

Brewster - A left field option? Sure but I think it’s between him and Tammy Abraham. Brewster offers another dimension, more pace and is the complimenting ‘little’ to the ‘large’ provided by his colleagues. Proving he can find the net at Swansea, he’s a lot of potential to deliver on.

(Above) Greenwood and (Below) Brewster celebrating

Left Wing: Marcus Rashford

I much prefer Rashford to be a striker but his play on the wings despite his oversized frame have been impressive. Having been dazzled by his relentless running against Sheffield United, his pace can and will put full backs to the sword and the link up between him and Chilwell is mouthwatering. He’s impressed on the Left for england with a few stunning goals and puts himself across as an ego less player, the team comes first for him. He might be an option for Vice-Captain and is a true star.

Rashford post scoring

Backups/Alternatives: In Squad Options

Sterling & Saka - Both have been covered already and they’re the only real choices, you’ll know their talents from this work and their openness to play multiple positions is a godsend for the manager and pain for oppositions.

What the 11 would look like

A bit of fun analysing players, I’d love to hear any alternatives, for instance: would you include Mason Mount or Tammy Abraham? Let me know!