Stock Up, Stock Down: Each England player’s stock after the international break
- Michael Oliver
- @MichaelOIiver
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In the final international break before the World Cup in Russia, the games against the Netherlands and Italy were the last opportunities players had to make a lasting impression on Gareth Southgate in an England shirt.
We take a look at whose stock is up and whose stock is down coming out of the international break.
Joe Hart: Stock down
The West Ham goalkeeper was forced to watch from the bench as Jack Butland and Jordan Pickford competed for his previously nailed-on spot in goal for England.
These games prove that Hart is now an afterthought.
Jordan Pickford: Stock up
Pickford put his excellent distribution on display in the win over the Netherlands, proving that this team can play out of the back with quality and composure.
Jack Butland: Stock up
While Butland was unable to keep a clean sheet courtesy of a debatable penalty given via VAR, he gave an admirable display and he, along with Pickford, are clearly Southgate’s preferred choices.
Nick Pope: Stock the same
It’s a great moment for Pope to earn his first call-up after a stellar season with Burnley, but he clearly has work to do if he is to get some minutes.
Kyle Walker: Stock up
Walker was used in that right centre-back role for England in their back three and really excelled. His quality on the ball was there for all to see as he made piercing passes into midfield with great regularity while his express pace makes for great recovery in the channels.
John Stones: Stock up
Playing at the heart of the defence, Stones was the primary ball-player at the back and always made himself available for his teammates. His distribution into midfield was a joy to watch.
Joe Gomez: Stock the same
Gomez can take pride from the fact that Southgate gave him the initial nod to start in his back three and it’s unfortunate that an injury derailed his involvement. But, he has the manager’s trust.
Harry Maguire: Stock up
Maguire came on to replace Gomez early on against the Netherlands and slotted in seamlessly into the defence. A great passer and very composed on the ball, Maguire plays the way Southgate wants his defence to.
Kieran Trippier: Stock up
Trippier started both games for England in the right wing-back role and appears to have nailed down that position for himself with Walker in the back three.
Danny Rose: Stock up
Despite limited minutes for Spurs of late, Rose looked fit and energetic for England which will be a huge boost for Southgate.
James Tarkowski: Stock down
Afforded his first England start against Italy, Tarkowski at times looked overawed by the occasion and was at fault for the penalty. Hasn’t done enough to break into the side.
Ryan Bertrand: Stock down
An unused sub in both games, Bertrand has fallen behind a resurgent Ashley Young in the ranks to backup Rose at left wing-back.
Ashley Young: Stock up
Young looked great on his England return at left wing-back and has seemingly moved ahead of Bertrand in Southgate’s thoughts.
Alfie Mawson: Stock the same
Didn’t feature in either game, Mawson looks like a call-up to make up the numbers but his time may come in the future. A great experience for him nonetheless.
Eric Dier: Stock the same
Captained the side against Italy, we know where we stand with Eric Dier and he remains one of Southgate’s most important squad members.
Jordan Henderson: Stock up
Henderson dictated the tempo of the game excellently well in Amsterdam, proving to be the ideal anchor in Southgate’s midfield.
Dele Alli: Stock down
Alli didn’t start either game for England and the performances of Raheem Sterling and Jesse Lingard in attacking midfield have raised questions as to whether Alli has a role in the side from the start.
Lewis Cook: Stock up
I think it’s safe to say Cook won’t be in the 23-man squad for the World Cup, but the fact Southgate has acknowledged his development and has given him a cap proves that he has high hopes for the Bournemouth youngster.
Adam Lallana: Stock down
Lallana was a second half sub for England against Italy but claims over his fitness issues and failure to complete training sessions is a cause for concern.
Jack Wilshere: Stock down
Wilshere was handed a well-deserved England recall but injuries again prevented him from seeing the field in what may have been his last chance to stake his claim for a spot in the squad.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: Stock up
Started both games for Southgate, the Ox is trusted to being one of the more advanced central midfielders and he performed well, linking midfield and attack.
Jesse Lingard: Stock up
Netting the winner in Amsterdam, Lingard proved that he can be England’s creative hub in midfield and struck up a fire rapport with Raheem Sterling.
Raheem Sterling: Stock up
Sterling performed well in both games from the start and his pace and drive at opposition defenders is something England crave and require at the World Cup.
Jake Livermore: Stock down
Southgate is settled on Dier and Henderson as his defensive midfield options and Livermore is essentially an afterthought these days.
Jamie Vardy: Stock up
Vardy’s pace and movement was too good for the Italian defenders and he put his finishing on display with his excellent opener, giving us hope that maybe we can cope without Harry Kane.
Danny Welbeck: Stock down
Vardy’s performances only push Welbeck further down the pecking order with the Arsenal man seen as a utility man at this point.
Marcus Rashford: Stock up
Looked bright in attack against the Netherlands and offers a mobile option up front.