Alan Shearer surprised fans as he named his preferred starting front six for England's Euro 2024 campaign.
We may be entering the business end of the season but many already have their eyes on the tournament in Germany and the Three Lions' hopes of finally ending the long wait for silverware.
Gareth Southgate is blessed with one of the best squads in Europe but that also brings with it selection headaches.
And Shearer believes the England boss should opt for a new approach and reward Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins for his brilliant form.
The Newcastle legend turned pundit told The Athletic: 'Five of the front six are guaranteed starters: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane. Those players, all of them enjoying brilliant seasons, make up five of the best front six in world football.
'But there is one spot in the team still up for grabs. There is another viable option, one that I would like to throw into the mix. I don't expect Gareth to go for this approach but there are circumstances when it would be exactly what England needed.'
'Play Ollie Watkins in the No 9 role. Kane can drop back into the No 10 space, which we all know is a natural part of his game and one where he has been so key in creating for England, Tottenham and Bayern Munich.
'Bellingham would take up a deeper midfield position alongside Rice. Foden and Saka still cut in from out wide.
'Yes, it would be a first, as the two have never shared a pitch for England — but this season, Watkins is looking like the most improved player in the Premier League.
'He has 16 league goals already, his best top-flight return, with 11 games left to play. This is already the season of his life.
'Some of the credit for that must go down to Unai Emery, who appears to have told Watkins to do the vast majority of his work between the width of the penalty area. It's not genius but it certainly works.'
Shearer added: 'I always say that the one thing defenders hate doing is running back towards their own goal.
'That is exactly what Watkins makes you do because he is constantly running in behind them, a nightmare for them to play against.
'There is a little bit of Jermain Defoe to how he plays: he's very intelligent with his movement, he's got good feet, he's quick and is always looking to find space in the box.'
malablata
0
stop crying foden is clear don't hate on him he is more constant than saka and keeps banging goals and giving assists if saka is that good where are his ucl and prem titles foden plays a major role helping us winning titles haaland kdb bernardo rodri and alvarez are all key players beside foden they all have amazing form and consistency our defence are like brick walks stones akanji ake walker and dias are all performing very well I don't see anybody stopping us from winning titles this season
You are off point
Jeddybang
0
what of this way
[image]
Vs mbappe.
nkov
0
what of this way
[image]
No Kane he is not good enough
nkov
0
england needs pep to win gbw fifa trophy..
And another guy too, what’s his name??
nkov
0
Medicine won’t save you shearer
coddimorsz
2
england needs pep to win gbw fifa trophy..
nwaniObinna
1
what of this way
Afer7
0
Zeaabcdemt
2
...the problem is England....they want to use the same strategy to get different results
vadcdklnos
2
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deekaypee2
0
England should drop Kane to the bench and rely on the younger players if they would like to win the Euro 2024. Kane will not be as sharp as the young boys and he will also dominate and intimidate them.
rest, you know nothing
serena19
0
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
stop crying foden is clear don't hate on him he is more constant than saka and keeps banging goals and giving assists if saka is that good where are his ucl and prem titles foden plays a major role helping us winning titles haaland kdb bernardo rodri and alvarez are all key players beside foden they all have amazing form and consistency our defence are like brick walks stones akanji ake walker and dias are all performing very well I don't see anybody stopping us from winning titles this season
Akaks
0
I will rather use Watkins in place of Kane
You're lying to yourself
Akaks
0
England should drop Kane to the bench and rely on the younger players if they would like to win the Euro 2024. Kane will not be as sharp as the young boys and he will also dominate and intimidate them.
You're delusional
jd2n
1
I would say get someone else to support Rice and push Jude up front. can't you see the goals he is getting for real Madrid
blackBeed
0
Don't say what you don't know. Saka was part of England Euro 2020 squad and was the star boy of his team, this goes to show you he was a regular for Arsenal long before that tournament. Is that your 2 years? Saka and Foden who started being regular for their clubs first? How many England best player had Foden won? You need to have knowledge before arguing. I don't even want to have comparison between Saka and Foden, that will be better for Foden and Garnacho. Saka is to be compare with Haaland and Mbappe for whom he has more assist than the two combined.
bless your heart man.
plueto
3
Problem with this pundit is they want to field everybody which is not possible, left to them they can field 23 players, which is why England always end up fucking up. With d quality of players they have, every player should be field in their preferred position, u cannot say bcos Watkins is in form so therefore u would push Kane out of his preferred position to play No 10 role, he could thrive there, yes he could but u have to play those who play in there for their clubs; Maddison, Palmer, Bellingham. I personally think these pundits put pressure on the players than the fans does. When u have such quality of players in ur team and healthy competition amongst players gives them a push to go above their best hence making d team scary for their opponents. U either bench Kane for Watkins to play or bench Watkins for Kane to play, we all know England player with a center forward. Kane and Watkins should not play together it is criminal. Use everybody in their preferred role. As a matter of fact Watkins is nt the only player in form.Saka and Foden are hot too, so let competition decide and not preference. Kane should not play no. 10 especially when u have naturals on the bench. This is one of the reasons i like d French team, Camavnnga did not play as a LB even when he thrived there in his club same as Mbappe he wasn’t played as a center forward to accommodate Coman.
DUTCH8UKBLUE
0
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
Saka is an excellent player, but FODEN is far more Versatile than most English football players at this moment in time, FACT! If FODEN played for man utd or liVARfool or arsenal THEY WOULD HAVE BUILT THE NATIONAL SQUAD AROUND HIM BY NOW!!!... We are missing a trick here!? FODEN, SAKA, BELLINGHAM, RICE AND OLLIE WATKINS, EVEN RASHFORD ALONGSIDE THESE PLAYERS! AND I BELIEVE WE WOULD STROLL THROUGH THIS COMPETITION!!!... CTID 💙
jhkr
0
Even though their players are on good form they won't win anything as long as u still call players who have never won anything on club level
fiwbinprs
0
England should drop Kane to the bench and rely on the younger players if they would like to win the Euro 2024. Kane will not be as sharp as the young boys and he will also dominate and intimidate them.
You know nothing
venacdmrsz
1
Who will sign this boy Watkins I hope big club are seeing what he’s doing in EPL?
RealAnfield
5
England should drop Kane to the bench and rely on the younger players if they would like to win the Euro 2024. Kane will not be as sharp as the young boys and he will also dominate and intimidate them.
malablata
1
how long has Saka been in this form and how long has Foden been banging it on for City? Arsenal fans are stupid, you compare someone who is having their breakout 2 years to someone that has been in the game so much longer.
Don't say what you don't know. Saka was part of England Euro 2020 squad and was the star boy of his team, this goes to show you he was a regular for Arsenal long before that tournament. Is that your 2 years? Saka and Foden who started being regular for their clubs first? How many England best player had Foden won? You need to have knowledge before arguing. I don't even want to have comparison between Saka and Foden, that will be better for Foden and Garnacho. Saka is to be compare with Haaland and Mbappe for whom he has more assist than the two combined.
malablata
1
Foden has 5 Epl titles, Saka ????? Foden has 2 CL medals and 1 title, Saka??? Una shida mahali siyo bure wewe.
Look at this fool, we are comparing players performances and you are comparing team trophies. By your logic Foden is far better than Harry Kane. It's difficult to have a healthy argument with kids, nothing to learn there.
malablata
1
Saka 0 trophy 🤣 Foden 14 trophies 😭 Cry more🥹
Your phone should be used for research to broaden your knowledge. To say Saka has 0 trophies, it shows you are a brainless kid trying to clown than to make sense and as such you don't need attention.
Destrothegoat
1
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
I didn’t believe when your friends told me you we’re brainless
Pass2Pogba
0
England got what it takes to win world cup, Euros, Asian cup and African Cup if they like... But their problem is Southgate who calls the same old players like Rashford, Kalvin Phillips, Henderson from the pool of talented England players worldwide!!!!.... 🔥🔥
[image]
what are you talking about? euros 2020? Get updated kid.. football ain't for you if you can't keep up
Zouakmnopr
0
I will rather use Watkins in place of Kane
dey play
PrinceAbobyBlinkz
0
England got what it takes to win world cup, Euros, Asian cup and African Cup if they like... But their problem is Southgate who calls the same old players like Rashford, Kalvin Phillips, Henderson from the pool of talented England players worldwide!!!!.... 🔥🔥
[image]
you don't have senses at all
fapcdlprty
2
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
Pure bias knowledge with only hatred
LeoM1710
1
are you telling us he didn't select defenders and Gk ?
can't you read English?
MUTINDO
4
England got what it takes to win world cup, Euros, Asian cup and African Cup if they like... But their problem is Southgate who calls the same old players like Rashford, Kalvin Phillips, Henderson from the pool of talented England players worldwide!!!!.... 🔥🔥
leyabilny
5
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
Saka 0 trophy 🤣 Foden 14 trophies 😭 Cry more🥹
cumbdkpry
0
No wonder!!! You're an Arsenal cry baby
facts.
cumbdkpry
1
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
Foden has 5 Epl titles, Saka ????? Foden has 2 CL medals and 1 title, Saka??? Una shida mahali siyo bure wewe.
WNMessi1989
1
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
Dude u must be Saka lover and jealous of others
Mascot1188
1
I will rather use Watkins in place of Kane
Dohaepsy
1
The only problem England have is Southgate
BadGuy5
0
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
who b dis one 🙄
nuhksuz
0
indeed now that's a selection England can be dangerous with those guys upfront
nuhksuz
7
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
dude you need mental help I sure think you're a mad person because you can't be this naive,such hate for a pure gem can only come from an insane person have some dignity whether you are a arsenal fan just give credit where its duel saka is a very good footballer but he is no much to foden
cunabelmtu
0
I would rather play a 4-2-4 or a 3-4-3
kanekptuy
6
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
you're a complete stupid fool
Hatilnprtz
2
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
You sound so lame and dumb. People like you shouldn’t exist.
blackBeed
6
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
how long has Saka been in this form and how long has Foden been banging it on for City? Arsenal fans are stupid, you compare someone who is having their breakout 2 years to someone that has been in the game so much longer.
andrepoon
0
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
U sound like u know better than England all time top scorer?
malablata
0
Phillips foden is waay better than Sara you fool
Who's Sara?
Poubcdmo
5
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
Phillips foden is waay better than Sara you fool
RickSanti
5
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.
No wonder!!! You're an Arsenal cry baby
malablata
5
Phil Foden is not up to the standard of a National Team player yet. His decision making is very poor. He's sluggish in many aspect of his game. Attitude wise, he's very indiscipline. I am disappointed in Shearer for including Foden as guarantee. Anyway, am not surprise since he's English pundit and they know nothing about the critical aspect of the game. I hate it when people keep putting Foden in the same bracket as Saka. Foden best season is for us Saka worst season and this is pure fact.