Sancho and Mount deserve their place in bold England squad

By Luke Sansom, fourth year Politics and French student

Southgate deserves yet more praise from the England faithful for putting his trust in youth.

For the Nations League 0-0 draw with World Cup finalists, Croatia, and an upcoming clash with Spain, Gareth Southgate named a youthful England squad, including some surprise names. Among six uncapped players, teenagers Jadon Sancho and Mason Mount stand out as Southgate’s boldest selections. Sancho, 18, becomes the first player born in the 21st century to be selected for the senior team, and has excelled in a remarkable start to the season at Borussia Dortmund, chalking up six assists in all competitions prior to his call-up. Providing an assist every 25 minutes in the Bundesliga this season, Sancho’s tally is the highest in the top six European leagues, and the former Manchester City winger undoubtedly merits selection.

On loan at Frank Lampard’s Derby County from Chelsea, Mount has also enjoyed a fine start to the season, showcasing his superb passing range in a memorable Carabao Cup victory at Old Trafford. Players plying their trade in the Championship are rarely called up to the senior squad, but Southgate is clearly impressed with the performances and the potential Mount possesses.

Leicester City’s £20 million summer signing James Maddison’s terrific start to the Premier League campaign has earned him a call-up to the Three Lions squad. Registering three goals in eight appearances before the international break, attacking midfielder Maddison has been outstanding. Brighton defender Lewis Dunk, Watford midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah and Fulham goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli are also included and make up the rest of England’s uncapped inclusions.

Despite the positivity surrounding Southgate’s exciting and youthful squad, the argument levelled against the Three Lions is that its midfield looks weak. It was the midfield that came unstuck in the heart-breaking defeat against Croatia in Russia. England simply do not possess any midfielders who can rival the ability of players such as Modric and Rakitic. Injuries to Jesse Lingard, Dele Alli, Fabian Delph, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Adam Lallana have certainly opened up opportunities for a new-look midfield to impress.

Mount and Maddison have begun the season in superb fashion but are both unproven at international level. Both Nathaniel Chalobah and Harry Winks are returning from long-term injury and have 1 England cap between them. The former has had very limited playing time recently and is perhaps surprisingly included over team-mate Will Hughes, who has impressed so far for The Hornets. Ross Barkley has not featured for his country in over two years but has put in some good performances under Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea. Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson are long-term features of the squad, but have not proved themselves to be the creative, dominant centre-midfielders that England so badly need.

Ultimately, England fans and manager Southgate are aware that the current midfield options simply cannot compare to the era when Lampard, Gerrard, Scholes and Beckham spoiled us for choice. However, fans and spectators should be encouraged by Southgate’s picks. He has rewarded players who have flourished in the early part of the season, as well as young, promising talents who have previously excelled. Competitive matches against world-class opponents grant these players to prove their worth to the manager and earn a regular place in the England set-up.

Another positive is Southgate’s tendency to reward players in fine form, whether or not they play for one of the so-called ‘Big 6’. The inclusion of the likes of Dunk, Chilwell, Maddison, Mount and Chalobah will offer encouragement to both Championship players as well as those at 'smaller' Premier League clubs.

Question marks will linger as to whether many of these players are good enough to take England to the next level, but Southgate should be trusted and praised for his bold selections and the faith he continues to show in youth.

Featured image: Flickr / Ben Sutherland

Does this adventurous England squad have what it takes to build on their 0-0 draw with Croatia and beat Spain this evening? Let us know your thoughts.

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