Speaking on the BBC Radio Five Live Football Daily Podcast, Chris Sutton has been chatting about the England team at the upcoming World Cup.
The pundit reckons that there are a number of starting spots up for grabs at the tournament, stating that the only two players he believes are nailed-on starters are Harry Kane and Declan Rice.
Rice is one of England’s best midfielders, while Kane is the Three Lions’ captain, so it’s fair to say that they will be in the XI.
What’s been said?
Sutton gave his view on the England team.
“Yeah, well you know who I think is nailed on to start, I think it’s only two players and they’re Declan Rice and Harry Kane. I’m not sure whether or not that’s a good thing or a bad thing, there are so many players who after the Euros have dipped, so there are starting places up for grabs,” Sutton said.
A lot of football to play
We have to agree with Sutton on Kane. He’s the captain and soon to be record goalscorer – he’s definitely starting for England at the World Cup if he’s fit.
However, when it comes to Declan Rice, we can’t help but feel there’s room for change.
With all due respect to Rice. He’s not proven at the very top level as of yet, and he’s only really got two genuinely quality seasons of football under his belt.
What if Rice gets a move this summer and flops? Of course, he’s a quality footballer and if the first group game was being played tomorrow he’d be the first name on the teamsheet, but there’s a lot of football to be played between now and Qatar.
Sutton ought to know this better than anyone. His form dropped off a cliff when he swapped Blackburn for Chelsea, and while we hope for the best for Rice, there’s nothing to say the same won’t happen with the West Ham star if he gets his much-anticipated transfer.
Sutton says that Rice is a nailed-on starter, but don’t be surprised if the likes of Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham, James Ward-Prowse and Kalvin Phillips are breathing down his neck.
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