England hero names his starting XI for Slovakia clash - with Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon both picked
England boss Gareth Southgate is currently preparing for today's Euro 2024 clash with Slovakia
PA
Former England international Viv Anderson has picked his Three Lions side - which he believes can go on and WIN the Euros ahead of today's clash with Slovakia.
Gareth Southgate’s side has come under fire in the tournament so far, despite qualifying for the knockout stages as group winners.
Many fans and experts however have criticised the style of play, unhappy that Southgate isn’t get the best out of the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane.
There has also been criticism of the team’s formation - with some calling for Southgate to go for it, and be more attacking.
England boss Gareth Southgate is currently preparing for today's Euro 2024 clash with Slovakia
PA
Next up - on Sunday - is Slovakia, a side England has never lost to and Anderson, who won 30 caps for England is tipping them to keep that record alive.
Picking his team for the game, Anderson, now a leading motivational speaker has opted for an ultra- attacking XI containing Bellingham, Foden and Kane - as well Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon.
The revered former Nottingham Forest, Arsenal and Manchester United right-back, said: “In goal it’s Pickford for me, who is a good No 1.
"In front of him I see no reason to change the back four.
"Walker and Trippier would be my full backs with Stones and Guehi at centre half. Guehi has had an encouraging tournament so far.
“It’s in midfield I’d make some changes.
"Rice and Bellingham have to play for me, but I’d put Palmer in there with them.
“I’d also make a change to the front three. I like Anthony Gordon. So he’d come in for Bukayo Saka and I’d put him alongside Harry Kane and Phil Foden."
Explaining his choices the 67-year-old said: “I think Gordon and Palmer will give us more creativity in the wide areas with Gordon’s pace and Palmer's trickery.
"Moving Bellingham alongside Rice will give us more balance. We need to leave Foden to play in his best position as a number 10.”
Reflecting on the way we’ve played so far, he continued: “Our performances so far have been average, but I’m expecting better performances from now on.”
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England hero Viv Anderson has named his starting XI for today's Euro 2024 clash with Slovakia
PA
And despite the doom and gloom from some around England, Anderson is still optimistic the Three Lions can go all the way and end 58 years of hurt.
“Once you get to the knockout stages anything can happen,” he said.
“And we have had great experiences of getting to finals and semi-finals in recent years. So why not go that little bit further and win it this year? Fingers crossed we can do it."
England hero Viv Anderson wants to see Cole Palmer start against Slovakia
PA
If England don’t bring the trophy home, Anderson expects Spain or Germany to reign supreme.
“Spain are impressing me,” he said. “They could do it. But never discount the Germans.
"As the host nation they will also have a big advantage and they will be difficult to beat.”
To learn more about Viv’s predictions, please follow him at the Motivational Speakers Agency.