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Gareth Southgate believes that “aggressive” Luke Shaw and Mason Mount’s versatility can be real assets for England ahead of their World Cup qualification with Albania.
Shaw has not played for England since sustaining a head injury against Spain in a Nations League game in September 2018, but his form for Manchester United this season has earned him a reminder.
Southgate, speaking ahead of England’s World Cup qualifier in Albania on Sunday, highlighted Shaw’s ability in attack and defense as the reasons for his resurgence.
“He’s been really good,” Southgate said. “Luke played in the first Under-21 game I took charge of. There was never any doubt in our minds about the quality of Luke.”
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“He obviously suffered injuries and had to withdraw from a few teams, but it was great to see him play up front as a full-back with his defense and he was very ambitious with his attacks. Good condition. to move forward he has excellent quality with the ball and it’s a good time for him.
“He’s aggressive against his wingers, it’s tough to play one-on-one, he’s improving with his cover defending his center-backs. He has to find the level he’s shown at his club and play his game.”
Liverpool captain Henderson could be in doubt for this summer’s European Championship due to a groin injury meaning Mason Mount and Declan Rice could therefore form the engine room of the England in Sunday’s second World Cup qualifying.
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Chelsea Mount playmaker and West Ham midfielder Rice are close friends from their youth.
“They played really well in the game we played against Iceland,” Southgate added. “Obviously, this deeper position, Mason doesn’t play for his club but I think it is possible for him. He’s a very smart player, he can play four, eight or ten. I think he is. he would be able to adjust as needed. “
“There is no doubt that the balance between the two is good. But James Ward-Prowse was also good (against San Marino) the other day and Kalvin Phillips is also in excellent shape.
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Southgate says England’s attacking options available to him, despite the absence of injured couple Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka, provide him with plenty of encouragement.
“It’s an area on the pitch where we’re starting to have options. It was great to have Jude (Bellingham) with us too. Like almost any position on the pitch, we have a lot of competition for places. “
England will be without Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford due to a foot injury. Southgate is happy with the attack options available to it, however.
“We’ve only really had Marcus for a game and a half this season, so it’s an opportunity for the others,” he added. “We saw Jesse Lingard come back. We’re a bit out of options to refresh the squad but the forwards are very exciting. They are in good shape and I can’t wait to see them play again.”
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Defender Harry Maguire believes England are a better team now than when they reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018.
“I think over the three years that we’ve been developing we’ve been working more tactically, the big tournament experience, the ups and downs,” he said. “We have to take this experience in the tournaments to come. I’m sure it will help us. Of course, as a player and as a team, three years is a long time to develop and we have developed in a positive way.”
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