Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Jude Bellingham are an elite midfield trio. As strong as anything in world football right now.
Prior to England’s clash with DR Congo, I could not see any way of splitting them up. What £100m player sits on the bench?
One flaw that has persisted over the past few games, however, has threatened to bring Thomas Tuchel’s juggernaut to a shuddering halt, just as it was gathering pace.
Composure on the ball has been conspicuous by its absence in England’s last three matches. With a nation expectant on the grandest stage of all, errant passing can be forgiven on occasion. The issue is, even against supposed lesser nations, England have not been able to exert control over games, limping over the line thanks to late moments of individual brilliance.
There is only one midfielder who has not kicked a ball yet this tournament. Ironically, he is the one who could be the solution to jittery England’s ills.
