Former Manchester City and England manager Stuart Pearce has named a controversial starting XI for the Three Lions’ game with Lithuania. It contains no Arsenal players.
His selection means nothing – because he’s not in charge, but his preferred lineup is certainly an interesting one.
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While there were no Gunners, there were some Manchester United, Liverpool, and Chelsea stars involved in the side. What do you think?
GK) Joe Hart
The clear number one for the national team, it is no surprise the Manchester City man makes it in.
RB) Nathaniel Clyne
Southampton have the best defence in the Premier League, in no small part down to the 23-year-old.
LB) Leighton Baines
With one of the worst defences in the top flight it is amazing that Everton have not one but two defenders in the team. Arguably Baines has been outshone by the 21-year-old Luke Garbutt for the Toffees.
CB) Gary Cahill
Despite not being first choice at Chelsea, Cahill is sadly still the best centre-back available.
CB) Phil Jagielka
John Stones has been playing better than his captain for the Toffees, and it is ridiculous that the error prone Jagielka gets in to the side.
CM) Jordan Henderson
It probably says more about the paucity of options at Roy Hodgson’s disposal than anything else that Henderson is a sure starter.
CM) Michael Carrick
A shock recall for the midfielder is on the cards after a few big games, but are there no young defensive midfielders in the country?
LW) Daniel Sturridge
It has been proved again and again that the 25-year-old is ineffective on the wing. He is also probably England’s best finisher, so why would you stick him out wide?
RW) Raheem Sterling
Another player who is far better through the middle, but Pearce appears to be stuck in a time where skillful players have to be on the wing.
CAM) Wayne Rooney
The skipper has played well behind the strikers before, but has his Manchester United form not proven that he is best used as an out and out striker?
ST) Harry Kane
With 26 goals this season the Tottenham forward may deserve a chance, but is this formation doing too much to try and accommodate him?