Brian GLANVILLE

Average England performances raise doubts about Southgate

After their somewhat mediocre showing in Portugal, England under Gareth Southgate look towards a demanding new season. The ever-recurring question of a playmaker – a Pirlo, a creative inside-forward as they once were called – is with us again.

There was not one to be seen in the recent tournament and a sad series of injuries has marginalised Jack Wilshere.

In the recent competition, Harry Winks, the 23-year-old Tottenham Hotspur prospect was absent, not being match fit. His previous international appearances have suggested that he could be the man for the job and he certainly deserves an extended chance.

Coming up promisingly on the rails is