There were six Tottenham Hotspur players named in Gareth Southgates last England squad, and only two from Liverpool.
Tottenham Hotspur appears to be the hotbed of English talent in the Premier League right now.
Six of Mauricio Pochettino’s players were named in Gareth Southgate’s original squad for the friendlies against Germany and Brazil, although Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Harry Winks have since pulled out.
In comparision, Liverpool are down to one representative in the senior England ranks – the uncapped Joe Gomez.
Reds skipper Jordan Henderson has also withdrawn while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Daniel Sturridge were dropped, but, against Southgate’s better judgement, Liverpool may have the superior group of homegrown stars.
Here is how Liverpool and Spurs might line up if they could only pick English players, including those out on loan.
Unsurprisingly based on Liverpool’s defensive frailties this season, Tottenham have a stronger back five, with Danny Rose and Kieran Trippier pushing to be first-choice full-backs for England and Eric Dier a step up on Joe Gomez, even in his secondary centre-half role.
Kyle Walker-Peters and Jon Flanagan are both playing out of position, and academy goalkeepers Alfie Whiteman and Andrew Firth chosen merely on eligibility, but these weaknesses cancel each other out.
In midfield, Liverpool boast far greater experience – a combined 130 England caps – while Harry Winks, a rookie in comparison, is partnered by England Under-17 World Cup winner Tashan Oakley-Boothe.
The creativity of Adam Lallana is also a weapon that the Tottenham team is missing.
Spurs would also be relying on untested youngsters further upfield, although the uncertainty over what Marcus Edwards and Josh Onomah – on loan at Aston Villa – is counteracted by guaranteed goals from Kane and Alli.
Liverpool’s all-English team looks more balanced from back to front, but Tottenham’s has greater star power.
Which team do you think is stronger? Cast your vote in the comments section below.
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