9. Taking Three Centre Backs and Not Four
It’s a massive issue that I feel has been overlooked by the media because of the other shocking decisions Roy Hodgson has made.
In Gary Cahill, England have a central defender that has previous tournament experience, but he’s had a pretty average season with Chelsea.
Chris Smalling has played only one tournament match for England, a 0-0 draw against Costa Rica at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. He’s had a good season at club level for Manchester United.
Finally, although John Stones has been poor this season with Everton, he offers more creativity than both Smalling and Cahill, but his defensive abilities are nowhere to be seen.
Eric Dier goes to the Euros as our 4th and backup centre back as well as being our main defensive midfielder. I think Phil Jagielka should have gone as our 4th centre back, he offers experience and has proven himself in an England shirt.
If injuries strike and we’re left without a proper holding midfielder, then England will be in trouble. Perhaps Michael Carrick should have gone just to provide cover for Dier?
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