THREE LIONS ROAR IN QATAR

 I have always been an England fan since the dawn of the Millennium - at least i was becoming cognizant of this wonderful art of ball kicking and even i could mention a few David Beckham's and stuff.I swear in 1998 i remember nothing about that Goated world cup. Much I remember was the famous El-nino which we almost drowned with my Aunt when crossing the famous Kithina river(story for another day).

England is endowed with massive talent which most end up playing the the best Football League in the World, the EPL. This gives them a upper hand when such international tournaments happen, at least not like Africa where most talent goes to waste and playing football is most times a hobby. Trust me I can name several guys who dropped  football to pursue other activities in life as hopes of progressing or making a penny out of football faded day by day.

Back to England, the 2010 WC squad wasn't much appealing and notably team cohesion and technicality lacked to much extent. They performed poorly in the group stage and losing 4 -1 against Germany in the round of 16 was no shock. 2014 was even the worst performance of the team after they failed to progress past the group stage.

England's Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho during 2020 Euro cup tournament.

2018 world saw much improvement after a nearly complete overhaul of the squad and new management. They fell short in the Semi - Finals after Mario mandzukic's extra time winning goal. This team proved to be a title contender after an exemplary display at the 2020 Euro finals. As an ardent fan i am hoping for nice run in Qatar

07-07-2018 at an undisclosed joint watching England vs Sweden

 

There was a lot of anxiety before the 26 - man squad was named. Most players were having great seasons in their respective clubs and i am sure South gate had a hard time selecting the best. Some positions like the Right back role was having so many suitors that my boy Aaron wan Bissaka was a mere ball boy.

Football enthusiasts and English pundits have tried coming up with a probable first team but eventually all lies on one man, the manager. I will be honest, I love this squad than any other  ever lined up - more attributed to the depth and technicality it brings. At least we can compete with the likes of Samba boys, France, the Oranje, kina Belgium and the formidable Die Mannschaft. 

I will go for a 4-3-3 formation or a wide 4- 2 -3-1 as most of the players are accustomed to  these formations and it will be easy to blend in. 3-4-3 would have been ideal if we had a wing back like Reece James but Saka playing on that  wide right position make a back 4 the most ideal system to use.

That said i will pick Jordan Pickford as my preferred goal keeper. he has been instrumental on the recent success of the team and therefore he deserves a start. Maguire being the captain will definitely start but considering his sidelining at United, i wouldn't mind dropping him too. My ideal Pairing would be Eric Dier and John stones - they can match what the big boys come to offer. I would also consider Ben White in that position despite being deployed as a RB at the Emirates. Luke Shaw starts at the Left back position undoubtedly. The RB position will be a much debated one but i will choose Trippier. he is good defensibly and can hold high when Saka cuts in. he is also good at set pieces and this makes him an easy starter.(Liverpool fans don't kill me) 

My 3 - man midfield will have Rice in the holding position, Jude and Maddison covering the central positions. Mason Mount is good too but Madders is a more complete midfielder and outshines him in a 1v1 comparison in several aspects. that position can have Foden but he's more offensive but i would prefer him coming a super sub due to his versatility. hes a game changer and he can be deployed in several positions - he's a very valuable utility player. 

The right flank will definitely have Saka. He has proven this beyond doubt.Jadon Sancho would have been an ideal contender of that Right wing but he wasn't selected for the tournament. Kane will be our central striker - no doubt. The left flank will have several suitors in Foden, Grealish, sterling and kijana Rashy. Grealish ain't even a starter at City so i will definitely not start a bench warmer. Sterling speed with poor finishing and Uchoyo kicks him out. Foden as aforementioned i would rather have him start on the bench and sub him on any any position upfront. Remember what spain did to Inesta in 2010? that's what Phil is and should be to my team. So Marcus Rashford starts. He got speed and can beat opponent in 1v1 situations and explode for a goal or create one. Also he can blend so well with Shaw and create chances on that left wing.

                                             This is my ideal line- up

I am looking forward to a wonderful tournament. Let us enjoy to the fullest na ikibamba sana nduru ipigwe vile inafaa.

which team are you supporting by the way?.

ADIOS.