Liverpool, Arsenal, Man United & Chelsea stars all battle it out with each other!
SEE MORE:
Gerrard 11 years Steven marks landmark day
Arsenal season ticket: Costliest in Europe!
Poland 2-2 Scotland highlights: Watch, here
It’s been a strangely excellent Euro 2016 qualifying campaign for the home nations so far…
England and Northern Ireland both top their groups with 100% records, while Wales have won two and drawn one to top theirs. Ireland have drawn with Germany and are three points ahead of the World Champions, and Scotland have picked up an impressive draw away to Poland, having beaten Georgia already.
As a result, we felt it apt to pitch Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland against the English, to see which side would come out on top.
Below is our Ultimate GB & Ireland XI versus the England team…
Six English stars are better in their respective positions in our opinion, while five superb GB & Ireland aces get the nod.
Who has the stronger side…?
GK) Alan McGregor v Joe Hart
McGregor is a solid keeper, and there’s arguments that David Marshall should be starting ahead of him for the Scots, but neither are in Joe Hart’s class just yet…
1-0 to England.
Vote: England
DR) Seamus Coleman v Calum Chambers
While Chambers is still learning his trade, Coleman is as experienced, dynamic and effective a right-back as there is anywhere in the Premier League. Other potential English options for this spot such as Nathaniel Clyne and Glen Johnson are not at Coleman’s level either.
Vote: GB & Ireland
DL) Ben Davies v Leighton Baines
The young Welshman has the potential to develop into a fullback of genuine pedigree, but Baines, thanks to a sweet left-foot and consistent overlapping runs, is already there.
Vote: England
DC) Jonny Evans v Phil Jagielka
Much of Man United’s defensive issues would be fixed if Evans had been fit this season. Jagielka, while solid in the air and simple in the pass, is declining, and his lack of pace is a weakness. The Northern Irishman gets our vote.
Vote: GB & Ireland
DC) Gareth McAuley v Gary Cahill
Although there are arguments for Wales’ Ashley Williams, or Scotland’s Russell Martin, we felt we had to include another Northern Irish star in this XI because of their blistering start to the qualifying campaign. Still, he’s nothing on England’s defensive leader: Gary Cahill.
Vote: England
DMC) James McCarthy v Jack Wilshere
Scotland’s Scott Brown narrowly missed out on selection to Ireland’s classy midfield maestro. While McCarthy is physically better than Wilshere, the Englishman is that little bit more classy, and has proven with consecutive Man of the Match performances that he’s more than capable of playing the role for years to come.
Wilshere, just.
Vote: England
MC) Aaron Ramsey v Jordan Henderson
This seems harsh on the every improving and the wonderfully energetic Henderson, but Ramsey has more ability. The Welshman can create, battle and score, whereas Henderson is more lauded for his attitude and work-rate than his ability.
Vote: GB & Ireland
MC) Joe Allen v Fabian Delph
No real competition, here. Delph has got into the England side because of a distinct lack of midfield options, and while he’s a solid Premier League footballer – we don’t think he’s got the potential to develop into a top international star. Allen maybe doesn’t either, but his technical qualities earn his selection here.
Vote: GB & Ireland
AMR) Gareth Bale v Raheem Sterling
This battle is between easily GB & Ireland’s best player, and potentially England’s as well. If Sterling maximises his potential, he could one day be on a par with Bale, but for now, we’re choosing the world’s most expensive player every time.
Vote: GB & Ireland
AML) Steven Naismith v Daniel Sturridge
Naismith, or ‘The Scottish Thomas Muller’ as he’s been dubbed in some circles, is enjoying the season of his life. He’s scoring and creating goals for club and country, and has well and truly silenced any lingering doubters. Sturridge has been injured, but he should be one of the first names on England’s team-sheet now fit again. The likes of Theo Walcott (currently injured) and Danny Welbeck and Adam Lallana would also walk in ahead of Naismith, too.
Vote: England
FC) Robbie Keane v Wayne Rooney
Keane is one of the few international forwards knocking around who’s bagged more international goals for his country than England’s captain. Although Keane’s record for Ireland is superb (65 goals in 136 matches), he plies his club football in the MLS, while Rooney is the Premier League’s highest paid player. The Englishman gets the nod, although we’d rather have Keane in a one-on-one situation!
Vote: England
