I am really surprised with Gareth Southgate’s central-defence selection for the World Cup. England will score goals in Qatar and they are fairly strong in the full-back positions, despite the injuries. Whether they can stand firm at the other end will determine how far they go.
From those who have been taken, Eric Dier has been indifferent since a decent start to the season, while Conor Coady has not blown me away at Everton. We all know about Harry Maguire’s situation at Manchester United.
I would have picked Ben Mee. He was outstanding in Brentford’s 2-1 win over Manchester City on Saturday, handling Erling Haaland better than anybody has done this season. He dominated the aerial battle, did not let Haaland breathe and kept him off the scoresheet. Mee is also a threat from set pieces and, as a 32-year-old free agent last summer, is among the signings of the season.
Ivan Toney, his Brentford team-mate, should also be on the plane. Be it in the EFL or Premier League, he has risen to the challenge every time he started playing at a higher level, so I would back him to do the same internationally. Elsewhere, Harvey Barnes has been excellent in a poor Leicester City team but somehow did not even make the provisional 55-man squad.
These three are among the best in their position on form. Southgate’s selection is loyal and pragmatic, but I believe he should have taken more players who are performing well and do not necessarily play at the biggest clubs.
Newcastle sure of spot in top four under Howe
Newcastle United are nailed on for the top four. They have really strengthened at the back over the past year, bringing in the likes of Kieran Trippier, Sven Botman and Nick Pope. Players that have been there for longer have also improved, with Joelinton and Miguel Almirón the standout examples.
Eddie Howe deserves immense credit. The manager has developed those at the club when he arrived and shown signings that Newcastle are a team worth playing in. Bruno Guimarães joined this year but feels like an adopted Geordie already.
Though not quite ready to push for the title, they are clearly the third best side, behind Arsenal and Manchester City. I see Manchester United, with the ball-winning of Casemiro and distribution of Christian Eriksen in midfield, rounding out the top four.
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United’s Garnacho has look of a young Messi
With his last-minute winner against Fulham, Alejandro Garnacho displayed a trait that only the elite players possess. Few have the technique to get past the defence, control the ball cleanly and finish, which is what Manchester United’s 18-year-old did at Craven Cottage. He can maintain his technique despite running across the line with real tenacity, and he reminds me of another winger who excelled as a teenager: Lionel Messi.
I am by no means saying Garnacho is going to be as good as one of the greatest players ever to step on a pitch. What I do believe is that he can scare the life out of defenders in a way that only the very best can. He is still raw and Erik ten Hag will need to pick the right moments to play him, but the sky is the limit for this incredibly exciting prospect.
Jesus offers more to a team than Haaland
Gabriel Jesus will not outscore Erling Haaland this season, but he may be a better team player. The Brazil man was flying around at Wolves on Saturday, proving that he is making an impact even though he is not scoring. As good as Mikel Arteta has been tactically, his link to Manchester City may be his most valuable asset. City sold Arsenal Oleksandr Zinchenko and Jesus, who have been excellent because the manager knows how they tick. By maximising their ability, Arteta has got two players on the cheap.
Flying Scotsman back to his best for Liverpool
Andrew Robertson was back to his best against Southampton on Saturday, driving into space in the direct fashion that makes him dangerous. As well as Trent Alexander-Arnold on the right, the left back makes everything happen for Liverpool. He played so many games last season and I believe that caught up with him earlier in this campaign, so the time off during the World Cup should help him produce similar performances against tougher opposition when the Premier League returns.
