Paul Merson would switch Tottenham and Arsenal stars in midfield for England’s upcoming game with Wales.
England’s Dele Alli in action
Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has urged England to drop Dele Alli against Wales and pick Jack Wilshere instead.
Speaking to the Daily Star, Merson believes the Wales game is better set up for Wilshere to flourish, and commented that he was disappointed with Alli’s display against Russia.
England’s Jack Wilshere warms up before the match
He said: “I wouldn’t make too many changes although Jack Wilshere didn’t start against Russia so would bring him in.
“Dele Alli had a quiet game and his game is all about making those runs from deep into space that just isn’t there against teams that drop off and defend.
“So I’d play Wilshere. He has that little bit of guile about him to pick a pass and unlock a tight back four.”
Arsenal’s Jack Wilshere looks dejected
Wilshere has not played for England for 12 months, after missing nearly the entire Premier League season through injury.
The match with Wales at Euro 2016 is expect to be a full blooded Premier League style battle, and while Wilshere may be fresh, it may not be the best game to bring him back in, with concerns about his match sharpness.
Alli will hope he has a longer leash that just one game before he is dropped, after a sensational season for Tottenham in which he netted 10 Premier League goals.
Dele Alli scores the first goal for Tottenham
England go into the game with Wales two points behind their neighbours, after a 1-1 draw with Russia, while Wales beat Slovakia 2-1.
Slovakia’s 2-1 win over Russia yesterday means a win for England will send them to the top of the group with one game left to play.
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