Do England and Southgate put a premium on Premier League?

In the March 2024 international window, England called up a squad of 21 players hailing from the Premier League. The only two exceptions were Jude Bellingham of Real Madrid and Jordan Henderson, who recently returned to Europe with Ajax. In other words, the England squad for the Euros this summer will feature almost entirely from the Premier League, with two or three exceptions from other major leagues in Europe.

That has long been a criticism of England head coach Gareth Southgate. He puts an overemphasis on the Premier League and the players that play, perhaps not even well or regularly, in the English top flight. Consequently, he turns a blind eye to those from across Europe who are just as deserving of a spot in the England squad.

Most recently, that boiled down to Eric Dier. The center-back joined Bayern Munich in January on loan from Tottenham Hotspur. Dier has not played for England since the 2022 World Cup, and the last time he was in the England squad was the March 2023 international break. He did not play in either of England’s Euro 2024 qualifying games.

“Since the World Cup, I wouldn’t say that I’ve had any dip in form,” Dier said on . “I’m playing the best football of my career since Conte came and I’ve carried it on since. People think that I’m 37 or something, but I’m 30 years old and am nowhere near the end of my prime, and imagine that this will be my prime.”

England leaves out capable players with Premier League priority

The Premier League is the best league on average in Europe, and there are ample reasons to pick from that pool of players. Additionally, most English players still play in the English top flight, it is simply a matter of that is where they came up through the ranks. Moreover, with Eric Dier, even if he thinks his form is strong at Bayern, he has not proven himself with either Tottenham or England when the opportunity has been given.

Yet, his comments ring true for other players….

Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/do-england-and-southgate-put-a-premium-on-premier-league

Author : Kyle Fansler

Publish date : 2024-04-09 18:54:35

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