Having a bit of a discussion with a mate about what squad England should take to the U21 championship. He thinks they should take the best available which includes Oxlade-Chamberlain, Sterling, Wilshere, Jones, Stones, Shaw, Chambers & Barkley. I think that would hold the national side back in the future even more.
The 3 in bold are guarantees in Hodgson's squads and maybe even starting XI and shouldn't be taken IMO. They've got experience at senior tournaments and in the Woolwich duo's case multiple Champions League campaigns. Taking those 3 along with Barkley who I think could benefit from going would leave max 1 spot in midfield for the likes of Tom Carrol, Ward-Prowse, Ince, Redmond & Will Hughes. All 4 defenders should go as they've all looked shaky at club & country shouldn't be starting for the senior national side.
"weaker" U21 starting XI
Butland
Chambers - Stones - Jones - Shaw
Carrol - Ward-Prowse - Hughes
Barkley
Berhaino - Kane
"stronger" U21 starting XI
Butland
Chambers - Stones - Jones - Shaw
Wilshere - Ward-Prowse
Sterling - Barkley - Oxlade-Chamberlain
Berhaino
I'd say the weaker side is strong enough to advance to the semi's. Get a lot more out of those 11 getting that experience
The 3 in bold are guarantees in Hodgson's squads and maybe even starting XI and shouldn't be taken IMO. They've got experience at senior tournaments and in the Woolwich duo's case multiple Champions League campaigns. Taking those 3 along with Barkley who I think could benefit from going would leave max 1 spot in midfield for the likes of Tom Carrol, Ward-Prowse, Ince, Redmond & Will Hughes. All 4 defenders should go as they've all looked shaky at club & country shouldn't be starting for the senior national side.
"weaker" U21 starting XI
Butland
Chambers - Stones - Jones - Shaw
Carrol - Ward-Prowse - Hughes
Barkley
Berhaino - Kane
"stronger" U21 starting XI
Butland
Chambers - Stones - Jones - Shaw
Wilshere - Ward-Prowse
Sterling - Barkley - Oxlade-Chamberlain
Berhaino
I'd say the weaker side is strong enough to advance to the semi's. Get a lot more out of those 11 getting that experience
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