Ray Parlor has urged Gareth Southgate to push hard for England’s World Cup Round of 16 tie against Senegal on Sunday.
The Arsenal legend thinks the Three Lions need to start fast against the Teranga Lions and thinks a front four is the way to go.
Despite a 3-0 win over Wales top of Group B last time out, Parlor wants Southgate to tinker with his side in midfield and attack.
Option for a 4-2-3-1 formation, the three-time Premier League winner has asked for Bukayo Saka to be recalled to the line-up after being dropped for the final group game.
While the same cannot be said for Raheem Sterling, who was also forced to settle for a place on the bench, Parlor also chose not to allow Jack Grealish to make his first start of the tournament.
Revealing his starting XI at Sports Breakfast – with Jordan Pickford expected to keep his place between the sticks – Parlor named the outfield players he would choose.
Starting with the defence, there were no changes from the Wales clash, as Parlor said: “Fine, I’ll go for [Kyle] Walker, I think he’s going to stay right back.
“[Kieran] Trippier didn’t do anything wrong, but I think I will become Walker at right-back.
“I’ll go with a back four – 4-2-3-1. I went, [Harry] Maguire, [John] Stones, they’ve been going pretty well together so far.
“Look, I’m not getting carried away because it’s Iran, the United States and Wales. [Luke] Shaw left back.
Moving into midfield, and Parlor opted to eliminate Jordan Henderson, although Stuart Pearce said ‘every team’ needs a player like the Liverpool star.
He continued: “Now a lot of people have said that Henderson will stay, but I’m going to go for it. [Jude] Bellingham and [Declan] Rice again in midfield.
And has Parlor refused to bring Mason Mount back into the squad, as he instead wants Phil Foden moved into the No.10 role.
There are question marks over whether Sterling will be selected after being rested like Saka for the game against Wales, but Parlor decided to overlook it.
Naming his attack, he said: “Then I have my attacking four, which is very, very lively.
“I have [Bukayo] Saka on the right, I think he didn’t do anything wrong in that first game, he can score a goal too.
“I have [Marcus] Rashford on the left, and i [Phil] Foden in the middle behind Harry Kane.
Host Alan Brazil was impressed with his team, as he remarked: “They’re a good team.”
To which Parlor remarked, “They’re a very offensive team, but I think you have to start with a front four, really.
“I think you really have to tackle Senegal’s defense early and try to get that first goal.”
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