Rio Ferdinand has suggested to the BBC that Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings proved how much quality he had on the ball for England yesterday.
Mings starred in England’s defence as they kept a clean-sheet and won 1-0 against Croatia.
The Villa defender’s selection was questioned by some, as his performance in England’s warm-up games hadn’t been entirely convincing.
However, the towering centre-back put in a commanding display at Wembley to help England get off to an excellent start.
And Mings’ quality in possession and with his passing caught the eye of Ferdinand, who was watching on.
“He hasn’t had the experience of top level football, of Champions League etc. He hasn’t been exposed to that level of football,” Ferdinand said.
“But he came out here today and looked so composed. When he was asked to defend, that’s food and drink for him. He did that really well today.
“But with the ball at times he did what he needed to do. He played the ball into dangerous areas.
“What it’ll do for his confidence, not just for himself but around the squad.
“Teammates, it can be like that. You’re sitting there going, can he do it? That will install confidence in himself and the teammates around him, which is needed.”
Mings to play a key part?
Mings could yet have a key role to play at the European Championships for England.
With Harry Maguire still not fully fit, the Villa defender looks the most natural option in Gareth Southgate’s side as a left-sided centre-back.
His passing could be crucial in England’s next two group games too.
England are set to take on Scotland and the Czech Republic, who are likely to cede possession and sit deep, so the onus will be on the Three Lions to prove they have the creativity to break them down.
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