3 players who can solve England’s midfield issues

By Benjamin Barkworth | Jul 14, 2018

BUFTEA, ROMANIA - OCTOBER 27: Phil Foden of England celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the UEFA Under-17 EURO Qualifier between U17 England and U17 Romania at Football Centre FRF on October 27, 2016 in Buftea, Romania. (Photo by Ronny Hartmann/Getty Images) /

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LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 27: Lewis Cook of England during the International Friendly match between England and Italy at Wembley Stadium on March 27, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 27: Lewis Cook of England during the International Friendly match between England and Italy at Wembley Stadium on March 27, 2018 in London, England. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /

2. Lewis Cook

The Bournemouth midfielder has already received his first England call-up as well as his debut because Southgate opted to use him as a substitute in the friendly against Italy. Cook was among a group of youngsters that were given opportunities in the friendlies earlier this year. Southgate’s heavy involvement with the youth team set-up suggests that he intends to start bringing these players through over the coming years.

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Last season was important for Cook because he started to get regular minutes in the league. Eddie Howe utilised him as a central or defensive midfielder with 29 league appearances. The trust Howe is placing in him is key because he is one of his main midfield options, which is ensuring that he gets consistent playing time. This is pivotal for a 21-year-old because it ensures his development continues at a key age.

Cook showed his ability in the 2017 Under-20 World Cup because he dictated play from deep. He was the vital cog in the team because he kept play moving with his ability to break the opposition lines and ensured the attacking players had plenty of service. This is exactly what the senior side needs. England came away victorious from the tournament after beating Venezuela 1-0 in the final in what was a hugely successful summer for the national youth teams.

They were an exciting side to watch because they always had a clear game plan and approached games with an attacking mindset. The best example of this was when they came back from 1-0 down to beat Italy 3-1 in the semi-finals.

The domestic experience Cook is accumulating will be key in ensuring that he can translate this to the senior side. He was on the standby list for the World Cup, so he’s likely to be given plenty of opportunities between now and the Euros if he maintains his form.