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    •  September 2, 2016

    The England XI that Sam Allardyce should pick for his first game in charge

    September 2, 2016
    Daniel Blazer
    Author Signature
    Daniel Blazer
    Daniel Blazer
    Daniel Blazer
    Author Signature

    Before you look to call me every name under the sun, let’s first remember that football is all about opinions, okay? And also, it’s hardly like what the Three Lions have been doing since 1967 has got them anywhere worth mentioning, is it?!

    Sam Allardyce’s first ever England XI will give us a great insight into what to expect under the former West Ham manager, but something like the following would certainly give the Three Lions fanbase something to be slightly enthused about.

    GK – Joe Hart

    The Torino legend’s confidence may have been knocked. Therefore, he needs to start tomorrow, in order to see if he’ll respond well to the public humiliation that has gone on at the Etihad.

    RB – Nathaniel Clyne

    Tough one between the Liverpool man and Tottenham’s, Kyle Walker. However, the Spurs man left the field early in last weekend’s game against the Reds, so Mauricio Pochettino will no doubt be in Allardyce’s ear.

    CB – Chris Smalling

    Screen Shot 2016-09-02 at 17.09.41

    Yet to win his place back in Mourinho’s Red Devils XI, however, there isn’t a chance Gary Cahill should play for England again.

    CB – John Stones

    Funny ol’ game football, all the flaws the then-Everton defender was supposedly meant to have, are all erased and/or acceptable because he now plays for Pep Guardiola’s, Manchester City. The boy was class at Goodison Park, and will be captain not before long.

    LB – Luke Shaw

    Harsh on Danny Rose, who was impressive down the left for England this summer, but Luke Shaw is better in all departments. Manchester United knew they were signing their’s, and England’s, left-back for the next 10 years. And that’s why £30million is actually a bargain.

    CDM – Eric Dier

    One of less than a handful of players that could’ve returned home from France with a little bit of dignity. The Lilywhites midfielder can have the role in front of England’s defence for the next decade if he carries on the way he’s going.

    LM – Raheem Sterling

    Some footballers respond to tough love, others need an arm round the shoulder – and the Manchester City winger is certainly the latter. Pep Guardiola has brought back the player that the Citizens thought they were getting when they shelled out £50million to Liverpool.

    CAM – Dele Alli

    When producing the XI, the No.10 role was the hardest to fill given the pushing forward of England’s captain, Rooney. Dele Alli the only real possible candidate, however, a poor Euro 2016 campaign, and an underwhelming beginning with Spurs; he needs a big game or he’ll crumble under the hyperbole.

    RM – Michail Antonio

    Why the hell not? The guy comes across so well in interviews, genuinely seems so chuffed to be part of the England set-up and offers Sam Allardyce’s side strength and an aerial presence it greatly lacks.

    ST – Wayne Rooney

    Oh quit your moaning! Wazza Roo is the Three Lions’ all-time record goalscorer and just having such a personality in the XI, does more to the national side than a currently-lukewarm Harry Kane and sulking Daniel Sturridge.

    ST – Jamie Vardy

    https://twitter.com/BethLowe1/status/764436555092156416

    Pace ? is one of the best attributes a striker can possess, and the Leicester City frontman has it in abundance. Still a relatively unknown quantity on the international stage, so could be big for England’s qualification hopes.

    Daniel Blazer
    Daniel Blazer
    Will either have a GameBoy, Piña Colada or Viennese Whirl in my hand.
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