Gareth Southgate is spoilt for choice heading into Euro 2024 this summer.
Never before has an England manager had such a talented pool of players at their disposal. To say the squad depth is unbelievable would be an understatement. But while Southgate is the envy of a lot of managers across Europe, he’s also in a bit of an unenviable position. Because no matter what decision he makes, unless the Three Lions go on to win the tournament, he’s going to have made the wrong one.
When there is that much talent available to you, you are expected to win. This is pressure few other managers will have ever experienced. Southgate will have a select few players who are dead certs for the squad but those who have been in fine form during the final few months of the 2023/24 campaign could well gatecrash the 26-man squad.
In this series, we’re going to look at five players who might have played their way into the thinking of the England boss. We’ve already made the case for Harvey Elliott. Now we’re going to look at the merits of Tyrick Mitchell.
The Crystal Palace left-back has been in fine form for the Eagles over recent months. The appointment of Oliver Glasner coincides with his upturn in form, but the same could be said for a number of players at Selhurst Park.
The left-back role is a problematic one for England at the minute.
Luke Shaw would usually be the guaranteed starter for the Three Lions but he’s had injury issues this season. The Manchester United full-back hasn’t made an appearance for the Red Devils since mid-February and he’s been involved in just 962 Premier League minutes this term.
Speaking recently, Gareth Southgate seemed to admit defeat in the hope Shaw would be ready for the summer tournament, saying: “He’s going to be right on the edge of the season. We know now to play seven matches in a Euros is highly unlikely.”
Next up in line would usually be Ben Chilwell but the Chelsea left-back has had injury issues of his own this season. He’s been limited to just 756 minutes in the Premier League. He might be fit for the Euros but there are no guarantees he would remain fit. His performances haven’t been great either, so a place in the team wouldn’t necessarily feel warranted or justified.
Southgate has used right-footed full-backs on the left in the past and that could well be his solution this time around. Joe Gomez has played a similar role for Liverpool. But when you do that, you lose the natural width that a lefty would provide. And that can limit the play and make things a little more predictable.
And this is why Mitchell should be looked at. It isn’t the sole reason but the fact he’s left-footed should not be overlooked.
The 24-year-old made his debut for the Three Lions in 2022 but he’s yet to add to his two caps for England. Now might be the perfect opportunity though.
Mitchell is in the form of his career.
He has a FotMob rating of over 7.1 in seven of his last 10 appearances for the Eagles and this good form has coincided with their climb up the table having escaped the relegation battle. Mitchell put in big showings against Manchester United (8.5) and Liverpool (8.2) over recent weeks. He chipped in with a goal against the Red Devils and assisted the winner against the Reds. The Crystal Palace No. 3 is now on two goals and three assists this term, so he is contributing going forward but he’s not as involved in play as the likes of Shaw or Chilwell.
But playing for Crystal Palace, he doesn’t have to be. He’s good enough in possession to do a job for a possession-based team. He’s not going to fill the creative void left by Shaw but there are ways around that. What you do get though is a left-footer who provides width and pace on that flank. You also get someone who is really strong defensively. His inclusion in the England squad should be a no-brainer.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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