Gareth
Southgate believes "aggressive" Luke Shaw and the versatility of Mason Mount
can be real assets for England ahead of their World Cup Qualifier with
Albania.
Shaw has not played for England since picking up a nasty-looking head injury
against Spain in a Nations League match in September 2018, but his form for
Manchester United this season has earned him a recall.
Southgate, speaking ahead of England's World Cup Qualifier in Albania on
Sunday, highlighted Shaw's ability in attack and defence as the reasons
behind his resurgence.
"He's been very good," Southgate said. "Luke played in the first Under-21
game I took charge of. There's never been any doubt in our mind about Luke's
quality."
"He has obviously suffered from injuries and had to withdraw from a few
squads but it has been great to see him playing on the front foot as a
full-back with his defending and he's been really ambitious with his
attacking. He looks like he's in good condition to drive forward, he's got
excellent quality with the ball and it's a good moment for him.
"He's aggressive against his wingers, he's difficult to play against
one-v-one, he's getting better with his cover defending for his
centre-backs. He's got to find the level he's shown at his club and play his
game."
Liverpool captain Henderson could be a doubt for this summer's European
Championship due to a groin injury, meaning Mason Mount and Declan Rice
could therefore form England's engine room in Sunday's second World Cup
Qualifier.
Chelsea playmaker Mount and West Ham midfielder Rice are close friends from
when they were young.
"They did very well in the game we played against Iceland," Southgate added.
"Obviously that deeper position, Mason doesn't play for his club but I think
it's possible for him. He's a very intelligent player, he can play four,
eight or 10. I think he would be able to adjust as required.
"There's no doubt the balance of those two is good. But equally James
Ward-Prowse was good (against San Marino) the other day and Kalvin Phillips
is in excellent form as well.
"It's an area on the pitch where we are starting to get some options. It's
been great to have Jude (Bellingham) with us as well. Like almost every
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 however pleased with the attacking options at his
disposal.
"We've only really had Marcus for a game and a half this season, so it's an
opportunity for others," he added. "We've seen Jesse Lingard come back in.
We're a little short of options to refresh the team but the attacking
players are very exciting. They are in form and I'm looking forward to
seeing them play again."
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 we've developed, we've worked more tactically,
the experience of the big tournament, the highs and the lows," he said.
"We've got to take that experience into the coming tournaments. I'm sure
that 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."
top