Monday, December 23, 2024

Euro 2024: BBC Sport pundits pick their England team – Lineker, Shearer, Richards, Rooney

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Rio Ferdinand: “I would go three at the back when we have the ball, with Kyle Walker, Marc Guehi and Kieran Trippier. In front of that, John Stones and Declan Rice as two pivots, then Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in front. Then Bukayo Saka right and Anthony Gordon left, with Harry Kane up front.

“When out of possession, Stones will slot back and it becomes a back four, with Walker moving to right-back. Rice will be the defensive midfielder, Bellingham will be the eight and drop a bit with Foden in a three. Then the two wingers and Kane.

“I’ve gone for Gordon because he gives us the legs to run in behind. Kane comes back for the ball, Saka wants to come for the ball and dribble and Foden would rather come to the ball, so I need someone who can run behind, give us a threat and push Serbia back. Gordon would do that.

“I would make sure Kane stays as high as he can and Bellingham joins. He has been great doing that for Real Madrid – play high and run behind the striker. That team wins the Euros.”

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