What is England's best XI right now?

What is England's best starting XI right now?

By Jonny Bray

What is there left to say? England are class.

A common criticism of the qualifying for World Cups and European Championships is that the quality of some opponents is so poor that it's hard to send fans of the Three Lions home happy.

But a 10-0 win against San Marino shows that England aren't just better than these teams now. A 10-0 win shows they're now able to put these sides to bed without their dinner.

It was like watching a slow-motion car crash as England showed the best of what they can offer right now, while also providing a glimpse of the future.

But what is the strongest side available to Gareth Southgate, as things stand?

Goalkeeper 

Despite an increase in competition, goalkeeper is still probably England's weakest position.

There are four or five options to fill the spot, each as slightly above average as the next.

The first choice as things stand must be Jordan Pickford, whose form is up and down for Everton but the 27-year-old has rarely let Gareth Southgate down on the international stage.

It's fair to say he's earned his place, and to make matters worse for his competition; it's unlikely that 

Southgate will switch his first-choice keeper at this stage in his side's development.

This season, Aaron Ramsdale has impressed for Arsenal, and Nick Pope looked back to his best for Burnley in their 1-1 draw against Chelsea, but England's number one looks set in stone ahead of Qatar.

Defence

In defence, It feels like Harry Maguire and John Stones are crucial to English hopes over the next few years but the Three Lions do seem to have improved their strength in depth in this area.

I'll be honest, Conor Coady seems like a lovely human being but he doesn't do it for me in an England squad that should be past relying on him to play three at the back.

England have Tyrone Mings in excellent form on the international stage, Fikayo Tomori ripping it up on the continent, and Joe Gomez still to return to his best after injury.

Then there are young stars like Marc Guéhi, who is excelling despite being asked to play an audacious and expansive style under Patrick Vieira at Crystal Palace.

Luke Shaw has fallen out of form at left-back just as Ben Chilwell has returned to his best. This will probably see Chilwell return to the side.

Right-back is purely a matter of opinion, but it feels like this season has belonged to Trent Alexander-Arnold, despite Reece James' outstanding performances and Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier being Southgate favourites.

Midfield

Midfield is a far less competitive area of the pitch, in my opinion, mainly because a few players such as Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips and Jordan Henderson haven't played their best football so far this season.

If England play three in midfield, Declan Rice has to play. He's probably been the best holding midfielder in the Premier League this campaign, and in my opinion, now is the time to test him as a lone holding midfielder on the international stage.

Perhaps unjustly, that will mean dropping Phillips but Southgate has to integrate Jude Bellingham into this England team.

Finally, Phil Foden walks into this England team after recording three goals and one assist in seven appearances for Manchester City this campaign.

It's an experienced midfield, but it oozes class and offers so much going forward.

Furthermore, both defence and attack are filled with experienced stars who can martial their younger teammates.

 

Attack

Harry Kane is England's biggest goal threat, and anyone saying he should be dropped is talking absolute nonsense.

He scored back-to-back first-half hat-tricks, with a fourth goal after scoring the second one against San Marino. We don't know what's going on at Spurs, but Kane plays.

Mason Greenwood would be playing on the right, despite not being included in the most recent England squad, if it were down to me.

He's scored four goals in ten league games, he's an outstanding talent, and his omission from squads is starting to become incredibly worrying.

Finally, it comes down to a choice between Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka on the left.

Based on his recent performances for England, I'll have to go with Sterling on this occasion, but his form for City is becoming concerning.

Conclusion

This side is filled with quality, youth and attacking intent.

England's strength in depth has developed in the short time since the Euros, and it's possible it could get even better.

There are a lot of players I haven't even mentioned here who could play a significant role in Qatar and beyond. 

Photo credit: Getty Images