Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Squad number: 18
Will have the hunger to prove doubters wrong. His attacking quality and set-pieces have never been in question but there are still defensive errors in his game that can cost his team. Missed out on the Euros through injury after being picked for the squad so this is now his chance, although Southgate did leave him on the bench for the first match of the tournament.
Do say: He’s put in almost 100 crosses so far this season and always influences a game.
Don’t mention: Why he did not play during the last international break. Or whether full-back is his best position.
Conor Coady (Everton)
Squad number: 26
His positivity around the camp is so important to England’s squad harmony. That was the case last year when Southgate’s team were in a bio-secure bubble. Coady was the type to get on with his work in training without fuss and be ready when required. One of natural leaders in the group.
Do say: What were Wolves thinking letting you out on loan and accepting such a small option?
Don’t mention: Whether he can play in a back four. Bruno Lage did not think he could but did not last long with Coady out of his team.
Eric Dier (Tottenham)
Squad number: 15
The comeback kid who was a penalty shootout hero at the last World Cup but lost his place in the squad and missed out at the Euros. His form at the heart of a back three at Tottenham earnt him a recall for the same role under Southgate. He did not make the starting line up for the Iran match but was called up in the 71st minute when Maguire was injured.
Do say: Will you take a penalty in a shootout?
Don’t mention: Crowd abuse, which saw his brother targeted and Dier heading into the stands. His mother does not go to Spurs away matches.
Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
Squad number: 6
No player has been so divisive under Southgate. His name gets jeered at Wembley and he has lost his place in the Manchester United team, yet the England manager has faith in his centre-back who has been there for the big moments in the last two tournaments.
Do say: Form is temporary, you’ve reached the latter stages in the last two tournaments.
Don’t mention: Frenzied five seconds against Germany when he lost the ball and conceded a penalty.
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