England players with a point to prove tonight
- Michael Oliver
- @MichaelOIiver
- Share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Reddit Share via email
- •
- 15 reads
- •
- 50 views
- •
- 4 min read
England can book their place in the 2018 World Cup with a win over Slovenia tonight, and a number of players in Gareth Southgate’s squad will be ooking to make an impact to further cement their place on the plane next summer.
We’ve take a look at England players with a point to prove during this international break.
Harry Winks
The Tottenham midfielder was promoted from the U21 squad after Fabian Delph was forced to withdraw due to injury, handing the youngster his first senior call-up.
Winks has been unable to build on his breakthrough campaign last season due to injury, but the talented 21-year-old can use the next week or so to illustrate to Southgate what he can offer on the biggest stage.
There are question marks surrounding England’s midfield and places can be won by standout performers, and Winks will look to make his mark.
Jermain Defoe
After two great years with Sunderland, Defoe left to join Bournemouth and so far, he’s really failed to live up to expectations with just one goal in six appearances.
Despite his poor form, he’s been included in the England squad and the ageing striker needs to make an impact for Southgate’s side given the competition for places.
Joe Hart
Hart’s come under-fire this season after a poor start to life on loan at West Ham but Southgate has kept faith in him as the country’s number one goalkeeper.
The likes of Jack Butland and Jordan Pickford are knocking on the door to usurp Hart and the veteran stopper needs to put in some statement performances for England if he’s to keep his place.
Jesse Lingard
Despite playing a bit-part role for United this season having failed to start a game since the UEFA Super Cup, Lingard still has the trust of Southgate.
Not really considered one of the best attacking midfielders the country has at its disposal, Lingard has work to do if he’s to separate himself from the pack.
Aaron Cresswell
Cresswell has struggled for form this season but given Danny Rose is injured and Luke Shaw is out-of-favour at Manchester United, the West Ham defender continues to be called up by Southgate.
The left-back is competing with Ryan Bertrand for a role in the side and he needs to impress in any minutes he may get if he’s to stay ahead of the likes of Shaw in the pecking order.
Daniel Sturridge
Sturridge looks a shadow of his former self at Liverpool and can’t get into the starting XI unless injuries or suspensions play their part.
The former Chelsea striker risks falling down the pecking order if he doesn’t step up his game in the coming weeks.
Harry Maguire
With Phil Jones out due to injury, Maguire has a chance to stake his claim for a starting role in Southgate’s side.
There are places to be won in the defensive ranks and Maguire is one of the names on the fringes and an impressive outing in the week could go a long way to further cementing himself as an England regular.