Playing for 90
Fansided

7 reasons why England can win the World Cup

By Thomas Bradley Alderman

NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA - JUNE 24: Harry Kane of England is seen with the matchball following scoring a hatrick in his sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Panama at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA - JUNE 24: Harry Kane of England is seen with the matchball following scoring a hatrick in his sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Panama at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 7
Next
NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA – JUNE 24: Gareth Southgate, Manager of England and John Stones of England celebrate following their sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Panama at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
NIZHNY NOVGOROD, RUSSIA – JUNE 24: Gareth Southgate, Manager of England and John Stones of England celebrate following their sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group G match between England and Panama at Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on June 24, 2018 in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /

John Stones has scored more than Messi, Griezmann, Aguero and Neymar.

I was actually a critic of John Stones until recently. I am always happy for a Lion to prove me wrong. This Lion is ferocious at either end of the pitch. Along with captain Kane, Stones is maybe the only other sure-starter in the team.

It is difficult to gauge the positive influence the Citizen has made. A comforting feeling of a man amongst defensive-minded men is abundant.

What I mean by that is, Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire are competent, modern and accurate defenders. Yet they were prone to errors in the first two games. Greater nations would capitalise on those mistakes.

All the while the Manchester City man was a calm influence. Even notching-two, to sink the aggressive Panamanians.

The 25-year-old also found himself among greatness in the scoring charts. He is still ahead of these noted stars: Lionel Messi, Marco Reus, Xherdan Shaqiri, Christian Eriksen and Sergio Aguero. Yes, that will change, obviously Stones is not in for goals. But I see him as a clear leader of the team and a deadly part of set-pieces.

Discerning Diego

Southgate’s clever implementation of a passing system suits the three centre-backs perfectly. So much so that Argentinian legend Diego Maradona asserts a more possession-based style of football saw the Three Lions improve.

"“Their change of style has worked well for them. I don’t think (past problems) are technical, because they’re world champions at U17 and U20. That shows that they’re creating kids that England didn’t have in the past… Sterling, Kane, (Jamie) Vardy, Stones and the like have given them another touch, it’s not about getting in the other half and putting the ball in the box, they want to play, to have the ball.” – Diego Maradona (Via: Daily Mirror)"

Home/World Cup