New era for England – who has a point to prove?

As England enters a new era of football, the pressure mounts for both (New era for England ) emerging talents and established stars to prove their worth on the international stage. After a string of near-successes, including reaching the finals of Euro 2020 and the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup, the Three Lions are eager to break their long-standing trophy drought. With an exciting mix of youth and experience, Gareth Southgate’s squad has plenty of potential.

However, as with any transition, certain players face greater expectations to deliver on the promise they’ve shown or to silence critics who doubt their abilities. This article explores the key players in England’s squad who have a point to prove.

1. Harry Maguire: Defending His Reputation

Few players in the England setup have faced as much scrutiny in recent years as Harry Maguire. Once hailed as a reliable, ball-playing center-back, the Manchester United defender’s performances have been criticized both at club and international levels. Maguire’s struggles at United have been well-documented, with high-profile mistakes and dips in form raising questions about his place in the team. Despite this, Southgate has consistently shown faith in him, selecting him for major tournaments and crucial qualifiers.

Maguire has a point to prove to both his detractors and his supporters. For the former, he needs to demonstrate that his past performances were not a fluke and that he still possesses the qualities that once made him one of the most expensive defenders in the world. For the latter, he must reward the loyalty shown by Southgate and justify his inclusion in a talented squad. With younger defenders like Fikayo Tomori and Marc Guehi knocking on the door for a starting spot, Maguire’s position is far from guaranteed

2. Raheem Sterling: A Return to Form

Raheem Sterling has been a key figure for England under Gareth Southgate, especially during the Euro 2020 campaign, where he was one of the standout performers. However, since his move to Chelsea in 2022, Sterling has struggled to replicate the same form that made him a star at Manchester City. Injuries, inconsistent performances, and managerial changes at Chelsea have all contributed to a decline in his output.

For Sterling, the upcoming international fixtures and tournaments represent an opportunity to remind the football world of his talents. While he remains a potent attacking threat on his day, the rise of younger wingers like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Jadon Sancho means that Sterling can no longer be assured of a starting place in the England XI (New era for England ). If he can recapture his best form, he has the potential to remain an integral part of Southgate’s plans.

3. Trent Alexander-Arnold: Versatility or Bust

Trent Alexander-Arnold’s club career at Liverpool has been nothing short of stellar, with the right-back playing a key role in the club’s recent successes under Jurgen Klopp. However, his international career has been more of a rollercoaster. Often criticized for his defensive lapses, Alexander-Arnold has struggled to secure a regular starting place in Southgate’s preferred system, which typically favors more defensively robust full-backs like Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier (New era for England ).

To adapt to the demands of the national team, Alexander-Arnold has recently been deployed as a midfielder, showcasing his exceptional passing range and creativity from a central position. This versatility could be his ticket to cementing a place in the starting lineup, but he must prove that he can thrive in a midfield role against top international opposition. If he can succeed, it would not only solidify his place in the team but also give England an additional creative option in midfield.

4. Jordan Pickford: Consistency Under Pressure

Jordan Pickford has been Southgate’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper for several years, playing a crucial role in England’s runs to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the final of Euro 2020. However, Pickford’s club performances for Everton have occasionally been erratic, leading to questions about his consistency at the highest level.

With competition from the likes of Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal) and Nick Pope (Newcastle United), Pickford can’t afford any slip-ups. While his shot-stopping ability and penalty-saving heroics have earned him plaudits, his decision-making and command of the penalty area will be under intense scrutiny (New era for England ). Pickford needs to show that he can perform reliably, not just in moments of brilliance but throughout a full tournament.

5. Jadon Sancho: Rekindling His Spark

Once one of the most highly sought-after young talents in world football, Jadon Sancho’s move to Manchester United in 2021 has not gone as planned. After lighting up the Bundesliga with Borussia Dortmund, Sancho has struggled to adapt to the Premier League, and his performances have often been inconsistent. Injuries and tactical changes at United have further hampered his progress, leading to a dip in form.

For England, Sancho’s early international career was filled with promise, but he has since fallen down the pecking order. The likes of Saka and Foden have taken center stage, leaving Sancho with a point to prove. If he can regain the form that made him a superstar in Germany, he could be a key asset for England in upcoming competitions. However, time is running out for Sancho to show that he belongs in the squad.

6. Kalvin Phillips: Reestablishing His Role

Kalvin Phillips was one of the breakout stars for England during Euro 2020, where his tireless work in midfield earned him widespread praise. (New era for England ) However, since his move to Manchester City, Phillips has struggled to break into Pep Guardiola’s starting lineup, often finding himself on the bench behind more established midfielders like Rodri and Bernardo Silva. His lack of regular playing time has raised concerns about his match fitness and sharpness at the international level.