The European Championship in Germany is slowly approaching. With it, the discussions about the most effective line-up for the national teams are also starting. Football icon Alan Shearer now throws an innovative suggestion into the ring for the England national team.
Bayern Munich’s goalscorer Harry Kane could, in Shearer’s opinion, slip into a more creative role to make room for Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins in the centre of attack. Shearer’s suggestion is aimed at making the most of both players‘ current performances while increasing the team’s tactical flexibility.
Shearer, who has scored 30 goals in 63 caps for the Three Lions, told The Athletic about the potential switch: „Ollie Watkins should play as a nine. Kane can drop back to ten. We all know that’s part of his style anyway and he’s been a key player for England, Tottenham and Bayern Munich.“ Harry Kane is known for his tendency to drop back as a nominal striker and take on the role of playmaker at times. So Shearer’s idea does not seem far-fetched.
Behind this newly formed attacking duo, Shearer proposes a solid midfield line-up of Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, supported by wingers Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka. This setup would strengthen England’s attacking dynamism while ensuring a solid defence.
Shearer raves about Watkins
Despite the obvious merits of Shearer’s proposal, national team coach Gareth Southgate faces a difficult decision. His previous line-ups have tended towards a more conservative approach. He deployed Bellingham in a supporting role behind Kane and opted for additional defensive cover in midfield. Nevertheless, Shearer is in favour of his plan, especially given Watkins‘ impressive form: „I realise it would be a first in this form. The two have never been on the pitch together for England. But this season, Watkins looks like the most improved player in the Premier League.“
Watkins‘ has an impressive tally of 21 goals in 37 competitive games for Aston Villa this season. Harry Kane also confirmed his qualities after his move to FC Bayern. The 30-year-old striker scored an outstanding 36 goals in 34 games.
Friendlies against Belgium and Bosnia-Herzegovina in preparation for the European Championship will give Southgate an excellent opportunity to try out this tactical variation. The question remains as to whether he is prepared to take this bold step. In the preliminary round Group C of the European Championship, England will face the national teams from Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia.
