The EUROs are well under way and after two games, England are in a good position to progress. But while the result against Scotland was a little disappointing, I wanted to see what England’s options are. So let’s look at a set of players who did not just miss out on the squad, they are not even involved in the conversation.
Here is my uncapped England XI - and it shows England has genuine depth in every position.
Uncapped England XI
GK - Aaron Ramsdale
The goalkeeping department is a really tricky position. It seems every English goalkeeper has a cap or two to their name - and that includes the likes of John Ruddy and Fraser Forster. The choice here was between Ramsdale and Angus Gunn. It’s slim pickings, but Ramsdale had a big improvement in form for the second half of the season. A key reason why Sheffield United were not the worst side in Premier League history (about as backhanded a compliment as it gets).
RB - Aaron Wan Bissaka
A Manchester United player with zero caps is a rare thing, and despite Southgate calling up a conga line of right backs, there was no place for Aaron Wan Bissaka. That gets him straight into this team.
CB - Ben Mee
Ben Mee is, for me, one of the best centre backs in the Premier League, and the unit of Pope, Mee and Tarkowski is up there with the best in the league. While his defensive partner Tarkowski and goalkeeper Nick Pope have both achieved senior caps, Burnley Captain Mee has been left waiting. He deserves far more praise than he gets.
CB - Jamaal Lascelles
Two Premier League captains at CB. Neither of which are capped. For me, Lascelles is underrated. He’s a solid defender and could play at a more ambitious club than Newcastle. Ben Mee and Jamaal Lascelles look a tasty partnership to me.
LB - Solly Marsh
Left back was a straight fight between Solly Marsh and his Brighton compatriot Dan Burn. Marsh offers far more going forward which is why he is here. He’s often played further forward, but he isn’t displacing my choice for left wing.
CM - Hamza Choudhury
Hamza Choudhury is in many ways unfortunate he has to dislodge Tielemans and Ndidi - two of the finest midfielders in the Premier League - to get on the pitch for Leicester. He’d play more at another club. There’s a decent player there and his defensive stability would be useful in this side.
CM - Conor Gallagher
Not many players can say they were a real bright spark of West Brom’s season, but Conor Gallagher had a strong season. The Chelsea loanee will be playing regularly for a Premier League side next season (probably not Chelsea, admittedly). His more box-to-box ability would complement Choudhury well.
RW - Eberechi Eze
An underrated talent who glides with the ball at his feet. Eze was a steal when Palace signed him for £17m. I’d go as far as saying they should cash in on want-away Zaha and build their team around him. It would be criminal if this boy does not go on to be capped for England.
CAM - Todd Cantwell
Cantwell starred in Norwich’s Premier League relegation season. He was linked with loads of clubs. Norwich kept hold of him, and he starred for them in their promotion season. He’ll star for them again next season too. And there are very few better players in his position without any England caps.
LW - Dwight McNeil
There are not many 21 year olds with 100 appearances under their belt for a Premier League side. McNeil is a player of real quality even now - and he will only get better. Another Burnley player who deserves far more praise than he gets.
ST - Michail Antonio
Michael Antonio has everything. He has pace, he’s strong, he’s a good finisher. The only thing counting against him is his age. He would be set for a big move this summer if he hadn’t recently turned 31. That won’t matter to West Ham fans, as it means they keep him at the club. There is no shame in being behind England’s forward talent right now, and there is no doubting Antonio’s quality.
There are a few notable mentions who deserve a shout out. Both Matty Cash and Tariq Lamptey join a hugely talented logjam of English right backs. Dan Burn adds height and danger from set pieces, and is a solid defender in his own right. While Patrick Bamford’s 17 goals had him joint fourth in the Premier League golden boot race (Kane was the only Englishman scoring more). Ivan Toney meanwhile bagged 33 goals in Brentford’s promotion season. Both Bamford and Toney miss out as I feel Antonio is a more rounded player.
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