Considering Gareth Southgate’s choice of line-ups for England tend to divide opinion, several fans and pundits alike have assembled the XI they would ideally like to see at the upcoming World Cup.
In the Three Lions’ recent Nations League fixtures, Southgate has shown that he will likely line his side up in a three-man defence.
It seems to be the case that the former Boro boss is already preparing his troops ahead of the knockout games, as he tends to favour a more defensive approach against the best teams in the tournament.
Much like how the 52-year old decided to set the English up in a back three against the likes of Germany and Italy at Euro 2020, it is likely that the same is expected if his side advance to the knockout rounds.
Former Tottenham Hotspur and England striker, Darren Bent has put forth a side that he believes Gareth Southgate will consider ideal at Qatar.
“I’ve gone with what I think Gareth will do. I’ve gone with [Jordan] Pickford, [Kyle] Walker, [John] Stones, [Ben] White. So Walker is right of the three centre-backs, with Ben White on the left. Kieran Trippier at right wing-back, Luke Shaw on the left. Safety first! ”, he said on talkSPORT.
Bent continued, “I’ve got [Declan] Rice and [Jude] Bellingham in the middle of the park, then my front three are [Bukayo] Saka, Harry Kane and Phil Foden.”
Ultimately, Southgate’s approach behind selecting his system and personnel is set to stir tons of conversation during football’s grandest stage.
Keeping in the mind the goldmine of attacking talent at England’s disposal, a whole host of supporters would like to see the ex-Aston Villa manager throw caution to the wind.
However, Darren Bent seems to realise that Gareth Southgate will not veer away from his pragmatic ideologies in terms of his team selection in particular at the Qatar World Cup, which may not sit well with a majority of the Three Lions faithful.
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