Rio Ferdinand has named his six preferred forwards for England at Euro 2024 as the big tournament approaches this summer.
Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate will have big calls to make for his England team as they prepare to travel to Germany at the end of the current season in search of their first silver medal since 1966.
There has been much debate surrounding England’s line-up and which players should get the nod to give the team the best chance of success, and former England and Manchester United defender Ferdinand has selected his top six players in front. the tone.
Ferdinand, who was working as a pundit for TNT’s Champions League coverage of Manchester City’s 3-1 win against FC Copenhagen, was asked his opinion on the best attacking lineup after Phil Foden scored the City’s third in injury time.
His first two selections on the right wing and up front were simple and didn’t surprise anyone.
Rio Ferdinand has revealed who his six preferred forwards would be for England at Euro 2024
The expert was left agonizing by a ‘difficult’ selection on the left between Grealish and Rashford
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“Saka is fine, Kane up front,” he began, before his selections became more complicated, he added. ‘The left is a tough man. (Jack) Grealish is injured now. (Marcus) Rashford hasn’t been fit.”
Fellow former Three Lions Joleon Lescott pressed him for a verdict on whether everyone was fit.
Ferdinand replied: “If everyone is fit and flying, Rashford will play for me on the left.”
Lescott agreed with his top three selection, adding: “Yes, I would choose that.” I don’t think there is a bad choice. I think everyone thinks you can make a mistake and say “well, if you choose him, you don’t qualify the other one.” I don’t think that’s the case. “I think there is a lot of talent.”
England travel to Germany this summer hoping to win their first trophy since 1966.
Manager Gareth Southgate faces a big decision over his squad but Ferdinand has urged him to opt for his own front six.
Ferdinand was then asked who he would have at number 10 if England played a 4-2-3-1 formation.
“I would have Foden there,” he said, after his impressive performance for City.
He also agreed with Lescott on a central midfield pairing of Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice behind Foden, with the former Everton player saying the trio would “work it out between themselves”.
Ferdinand then pleaded with Southgate to make sure he chose the same six forwards when he was asked to name his final squad later this summer.
‘If Gareth needs help deciding I’m here, I’ll do a Zoom call, I’ll even visit your house and that’s your front six, please!’