Frank Christian
Following Lee Carsley’s unconventional selection for the England national team in a UEFA Nations League match against Greece, where he opted for an unusual lineup, he made a more balanced choice for the game against Finland.
Ah, balance. It seems like one of those dull buzzwords often associated with Gareth Southgate. But we’re moving beyond that, aren’t we?
However, it’s worth noting that having some restraint can help prevent disastrous outcomes. Unfortunately for England, their loss to Greece might not have reflected the reality of the game.
Carsley admitted that his previous experiment, featuring five attacking midfielders but no designated striker, was risky. He is too strategic to select a team merely to please the fans, yet the combination of Cole Palmer, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Anthony Gordon felt somewhat unrealistic in practice.
After England’s 3-1 victory in Helsinki, Jack Grealish commented on the mixed reactions surrounding England’s squad choices. “After one game, people were quick to criticize,” he stated, acknowledging the calls for “best attacking players.”
Grealish, who missed the Greece match due to a minor injury, was described as having an “outstanding” performance against Finland by Carsley, who suggested he would have played if healthy.
“We had much more control,” Carsley stated, aligning with Pep Guardiola’s principles. “With 69% possession and 713 passes, we created plenty of chances, but we can still improve.”
The Importance of Jack Grealish for England
Grealish is crucial for producing such effective performances. Historically, England has struggled to deliver consistent results despite having numerous talented attacking midfielders. Previous stars like Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard faced similar challenges.
“Do you realize how good Jack is?” Declan Rice rhetorically asked after scoring, emphasizing Grealish’s unique ability to relieve pressure when in possession. His presence is a significant boost for the team.
Although Grealish was left out of Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad, which was understandable given his prior form issues, it was still a puzzling decision.
Ironically, Grealish, who started as a free-spirited player, now seems essential for returning England to more pragmatic play. With only 18 out of his 39 caps as a starter, it’s time he takes on a more prominent role.
Midfield Selection for England
Angel Gomes assisted Grealish’s goal, and it’s evident that Rice performs best when he has someone to link play effectively. The English tendency to shuffle players around might lead to Rice becoming the primary holding midfielder, with Bellingham alongside him amidst calls for synergy, ignoring past failures.
Saka, Palmer, and Foden might provide support for Harry Kane, yet it would be wise for Carsley or his successor to avoid repeating past setups that haven’t brought success.
Grealish and Gomes (or Mainoo, if fit) should be central figures in the midfield due to their ability to control the game’s tempo. This could prompt hard choices about player positions, such as having either Saka or Palmer, or Bellingham or Foden, but not both simultaneously.
While Grealish might not top the list in terms of skill compared to his teammates, England lacks a player of his type, which should be factored in as the team seeks to overcome its long-standing challenges.
