After all the noise, the sad social media posts and the slightly overblown announcement, can we all agree on one thing at least?
None – if any – of those who dropped out of the squad would have been starters when England’s campaign kicks off in Dallas against Croatia on 17 June. Some might not have got even a minute over the seven weeks Thomas Tuchel hopes his England team are in North America.
But that doesn’t mean there’s no decisions to make. Three stick out: centre-back, left side of a forward three and right-back. Here’s the formula to unlock England.
Jordan Pickford
For the first time before a tournament there might actually be a case for a new keeper given Pickford’s recent form has been fairly ordinary. James Trafford has played well when given an opportunity and is the future. But Pickford has big game, big tournament experience so gets the nod.
