England takare taking on Italy in Turin looking to avenge their defeat to the former world champions at the World Cup in Brazil. Manager Roy Hodgson sprang a surprise in his selection ahead of the game.
Many were anticipating rotation for the friendly given the demands which await the players ahead of a crucial run-in for the clubs, but few could’ve predicted a central midfield role for Phil Jones.
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To compound matters, the Man United defender was handed the number eight shirt and has previously done little to convince onlookers that he can succeed in that role.
In fairness to Jones, he has stated in the past that he feels most comfortable in the heart of the defence after being fielded in midfield on a number of occasions by Sir Alex Ferguson (via Manchester Evening News).
Here is how Twitter reacted to Roy Hodgson’s latest tactical masterstroke.
Phil Jones in midfield. Smalling in defence. Nice one Woy
— William Young (@williamyoung95) March 31, 2015
Want baller Phil Jones to score a bicycle kick own goal — Chad (@Jxgielka) March 31, 2015
I love this photo, because it’s so obvious that Phil Jones is the only one who hasn’t got the joke yet. pic.twitter.com/yXO8NBIrm5
— Daniel Storey (@danielstorey85) March 31, 2015
Phil Jones in deeper central midfield role, does Roy think he’s found the new Makelele with that move? #Wrong‘un — DynamoBetting HELP (@DynamoBettingPR) March 31, 2015
Phil Jones is playing in midfield. That’s all you need to know about the quality of this England team. #ITAvENG
— RL (@The_Law_of_LFC) March 31, 2015
Phil Jones doesn’t have a clue about playing CM. He’s all over the place. Plus he’s crap on the ball. He’s not even that good at CB. — Chris Driver (@ChrisDriver) March 31, 2015
Phil Jones is playing holding oh god
— RA’SHAUN (@R_J90) March 31, 2015
Jesus. Phil Jones is in midfield. Phil Jones! — BoundForGlory (@BoundForCFC) March 31, 2015