England's friendlies over the last week may not have always been the most exciting but Gareth Southgate looked like he had an actual plan and the England managers plans are all but finalised witn 10 if his starting line up locked down.
In the past week England played out 180 minutes of football without a goal being scored and not too many chances but England at least were well organised and were playing to a system, something that hasn't always been the case.
After breezing through the qualification group Gareth Southgate decided to change to a 3-5-2 system during the friendlies and start to mould the team the way he wanted ahead of the tournament.
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Eric Dier battles to keep Neymar quiet in the second friendly. Image: PA
The Three Lions were missing some of their best players with the likes of Harry Kane and Dele Alli missing through injury. Without them Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Tammy Abraham did well on debut.
But even with just two games of the new system and missing some of his big players according to reports Southgate has picked 10 of his starting XI for the summer:
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It might come as a surprise to some to see Eric Dier, who played in midfield in both games in the last week, in central defence but Southgate this week said of the Spurs player, "At that time he wanted to focus on establishing himself with Spurs as a centre back. He felt that was where he'd play in the future, and it still might be, I think."
And Dier wore the captain's armband on Tuesday to show his importance to the team. The England manager wants to play with centre backs who are comfortable on the ball, making even more sense of Dier's inclusion at the back.
Joe Hart's inclusion in goal will come as a surprise, and disappointment, to many with the on loan West Ham keeper short of his best form for some years but Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland will pressure.
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Pickford impressed against Germany. Image: PA
Jordan Henderson was another to miss the recent games through injury and is thought of as the best holding midfielder by the Three Lions boss whilst Adam Lallana is yet to play for Liverpool this season but his ability to get forward and create will be essential.
Next to Lallana is the only real gap right now. Harry Winks and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have both impressed in their recent international debuts and could compete for the place.
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There's no real surprise to see John Stones, Phil Jones, Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Dele Alli and Harry Kane in the side.
Is that the right team?
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Russia 2018, England, Gareth Southgate, World Cup