England hits and misses: Jude Bellingham missed whereas Rico Lewis impresses on senior debut | Soccer Information

England miss Bellingham

On the prime of Gareth Southgate’s Christmas listing may be a completely match and fluent Jude Bellingham for the summer time.

In England’s remaining two Euro 2024 qualifiers, attacking rhythm was missing and there weren’t sufficient objectives. Two of their three strikes in opposition to Malta and North Macedonia got here by personal objectives, in any case.

In the end, England don’t look as multi-geared as they’re when Jude Bellingham performs. They wanted these lung-bursting runs from nowhere that compelled the 2 objectives in opposition to Italy in October. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Phil Foden confirmed flashes of high quality within the No 8 roles, however little finish product got here by.

This month has proven that Bellingham is required on this England group simply as a lot as Harry Kane. Each are arguably the most effective gamers on the earth of their respective positions. Protecting them match, firing and hungry in June is important to England’s probabilities in Germany.
Sam Blitz

It is Rico time! Lewis impresses on debut

Rico Lewis has offered a well timed answer to England’s left-sided downside.

The Man Metropolis teenager performed with the composure and temperament of a 50-cap defender at left-back, not to mention one making his debut.

Lewis, who turns 19 on Tuesday, did not enable a poor refereeing determination in opposition to him that led to North Macedonia’s aim to have an effect on his efficiency.

Gareth Southgate can not afford to take dangers in his 23-man Euro 2024 squad which is the place Lewis’ versatility might give him the sting over the injury-prone Ben Chilwell and even Luke Shaw.

What may even be key in Lewis’ choice is how usually Pep Guardiola performs him this season. Maybe Euro 2024 might show to have come simply too quickly however Lewis can be a shoo-in for England squads of the longer term.
David Richardson

Sterling case strengthens after Grealish struggles

Whereas Rico Lewis seized his probability, Jack Grealish had a blended night time on the left flank.

The Metropolis duo mixed properly though Grealish’s output within the remaining third was extra miss than hit.

His early second-half tap-in was dominated out for offside and later within the half, he overhit a cross when well-placed after being performed in behind.

Marcus Rashford fared worse in his late cameo which additionally strengthened the case for Raheem Sterling to be recalled.

Sterling, who has been in higher kind than each this season, was already a shock omission from Gareth Southgate’s squad, however he can be inconceivable to disregard ought to he proceed performing as he has.
David Richardson

Wasteful Watkins misses alternative

What number of strikers get an opportunity to begin forward of a fully-fit Harry Kane for England in a aggressive recreation?

Forty seconds handed between Kane getting into the pitch to avoid wasting the day and the England captain making an influence. Ollie Watkins’ possibilities of having a serious position in Euro 2024 might have gone in that fast flash.

The Aston Villa ahead was tasked with persevering with his good membership kind away at North Macedonia however missed two first rate probabilities within the first half – the second seeing him head inexplicably huge when unmarked within the field. Southgate then gave him 12 second-half minutes earlier than turning to Kane.

Watkins nonetheless has his Euro 2024 probabilities in his fingers – maintain scoring by the bucketload at Villa and it is laborious to go away him out.

However earlier than the 27-year-old will get one other probability with England in March, Ivan Toney returns. Eddie Nketiah and Callum Wilson will come again from damage too. With 23 spots on the aircraft to Germany, it is getting tense within the striker division.
Sam Blitz