Jack Wilshere has suggested that Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish could play in defensive midfield for England, on the ITV Football podcast.
The Villa captain has just made his way into the England side and he has impressed in an advanced role.
The Three Lions have struggled to progress the ball through midfield in recent times though, with Gareth Southgate often criticised for making his midfield too defensive minded.
England often line up with Declan Rice alongside Jordan Henderson, but Wilshere thinks that there is actually room for Grealish to start in a much deeper role.
“I feel like that is a big position in there. I love Dec in there, but I feel like if you’re going to play two in there, why not play Dec with someone else,” Wilshere said.
“Dec is the guy who will win the ball back for you – and I think Henderson can do it as well – but if not Henderson then why not someone like Grealish or Foden?
“They’re going to defend, but won’t give you that massive defensive security, but when you do have the ball they’re going to break lines and make things happen.”
If Grealish was trialled as a deep-lying playmaker it would be a very different role for the one he plays at Villa.
Grealish is tasked with picking up spaces in attacking areas for Villa, so it would be a big transition for him.
The 25-year-old does have more ability in possession than most of England’s other midfield options, though.
And with Southgate being criticised for a defensive-minded approach, Wilshere’s suggestion would at least help to show that he is willing to take a risk to try to increase his side’s attacking output.
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