Former England striker Alan Shearer has expressed surprise at some of the recent selections made by England manager Gareth Southgate, particularly the inclusion of Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson in the squad. Despite his surprise, Shearer believes that Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford fully deserves his place in the national team.
### Surprise Selections in England Squad
The recent announcement of the England squad for the upcoming international fixtures raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike. One of the most unexpected inclusions was Brighton defender Dan Burn, who has been called up for the first time in his career. Burn’s impressive performances for his club have caught the attention of Southgate, who sees potential in the towering center-back.
### Marcus Rashford’s Deserved Place
While some may question the selection of Burn and Henderson, there is no doubt in Shearer’s mind about Marcus Rashford’s place in the squad. The Manchester United forward has been in scintillating form this season, consistently delivering match-winning performances for his club. Rashford’s ability to change games with his pace, skill, and eye for goal makes him a valuable asset for England.
### Shearer’s Thoughts on the Squad
Speaking about the surprise selections, Shearer acknowledged that Southgate’s decisions may have raised a few eyebrows but emphasized the importance of trust in the manager. Shearer believes that Southgate knows what he is doing and has his reasons for selecting certain players, even if they may not be immediately obvious.
### The Impact of Tuchel’s Surprise Calls
The recent appointment of Thomas Tuchel as Chelsea manager has also had an impact on the England squad. Jordan Henderson, who has been sidelined with injury for a considerable amount of time, has made a surprising return to the squad. Tuchel’s influence at Chelsea may have played a role in Henderson’s inclusion, as the midfielder looks to regain his fitness and form ahead of the major international tournaments.
### Looking Ahead
With the international fixtures on the horizon, all eyes will be on Southgate’s selections and how the team performs on the pitch. The inclusion of players like Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson may have raised questions, but it also reflects Southgate’s willingness to give new faces a chance and reward players for their hard work and commitment.
### Conclusion
As the England squad prepares to face their upcoming opponents, the surprise selections made by Southgate continue to spark debate and discussion. While some may question the choices, others, like Alan Shearer, remain confident in the manager’s decisions. Only time will tell how the squad will fare in the upcoming fixtures, but one thing is for certain – the England team will be looking to make an impact on the international stage.
By staying true to his instincts, Southgate has put together a squad that he believes can compete at the highest level. The inclusion of players like Dan Burn, Jordan Henderson, and Marcus Rashford may have raised a few eyebrows, but ultimately, it is their performances on the pitch that will determine their worth to the national team.
### New Players Making Their Mark
In addition to the surprise selections of Dan Burn and Jordan Henderson, there are several other new faces in the England squad who are looking to make their mark. One such player is Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, whose impressive goal-scoring record in the Premier League has earned him a call-up. Watkins’ ability to lead the line and find the back of the net could provide Southgate with a different attacking option.
Another player who has caught the eye is West Ham’s Jesse Lingard, who has been in sensational form since joining the Hammers on loan. Lingard’s creativity, work rate, and versatility make him a valuable asset in midfield, and his inclusion in the squad adds depth and competition for places.
### Tactical Considerations and Formations
With the addition of these new players, Southgate may be looking to tweak his tactical approach and formations for the upcoming fixtures. The manager has shown flexibility in the past, experimenting with different systems to get the best out of his players. The inclusion of players like Burn, Henderson, Watkins, and Lingard could signal a shift in tactics or provide Southgate with more options to choose from.
### Competition for Places
The inclusion of new players in the squad not only adds depth but also increases competition for places in the starting lineup. With established stars like Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Declan Rice also vying for positions, the competition within the squad is fierce. This healthy competition can push players to perform at their best and raise the overall level of the team.
### Managerial Trust and Vision
Despite the surprise selections, it is evident that Southgate has a clear vision for the England team moving forward. The manager’s ability to trust his instincts and make bold decisions has been a hallmark of his tenure. While some selections may raise eyebrows initially, Southgate’s track record of developing young talent and building a cohesive team bodes well for the future.
### Fan Reactions and Expectations
As always, fan reactions to the squad announcements have been mixed, with some praising Southgate’s bold choices while others expressing skepticism. The expectations for the England team are always high, with fans hoping for success in major tournaments like the upcoming European Championship. The pressure on Southgate and his players to deliver results on the international stage is immense, but the manager remains focused on the task at hand.
### Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the surprise selections in the England squad have added intrigue and excitement to the upcoming international fixtures. While some may question Southgate’s choices, it is clear that the manager has a vision for the team and is willing to take risks to achieve success. With new players looking to make their mark and established stars aiming to maintain their form, the England squad is poised for an exciting and challenging period. Only time will tell how Southgate’s selections will fare on the pitch, but one thing is certain – the England team is ready to compete at the highest level.
