Starting line up v Holland

[outwoodclaret]

I would select the following

GK Pope
Back Three Stones Maguire Tarkowski
Wing Backs Trippier Young
Midfield Dele Alli Cook Lingard
Forwards Rashford Vardy

[oldcolner]

Looks good, a touch of Claret there. Not sure about Cook

[outwoodclaret]

Looks good, a touch of Claret there. Not sure about Cook

I picked Cook as the defensive midfielder to get a better balance there. I think he is having an excellent season with Bournemouth.

[alfinyalcabo]

Popeye and Tarka first choices...phook the rest..

[warminsterclaret]

Having selected Pope in the squad, GS must now play him. If he does and Nick plays well, then he's got a chance of being England's keeper in the World Cup. Digits crossed for him.

[outwoodclaret]

I would select the following

GK Pope
Back Three Stones Maguire Tarkowski
Wing Backs Trippier Young
Midfield Dele Alli Cook Lingard
Forwards Rashford Vardy

This is the team I would put out. I doubt if Pope Tarkowski Trippier or Cook will start. More is the pity. Pity too that Ben Mee is not in the squad as it would be interesting to see how the Pope-Tarkowski-Mee unit performed for England.

[oldcolner]

Pickford distribution impresses a nd is likely to start.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...World-Cup.html

[outwoodclaret]

Pickford distribution impresses a nd is likely to start.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/foo...World-Cup.html

Nick has done all he can. Fewest goals conceded, most clean sheets, no errors leading to a goal. He may not start in Amsterdam but if he does not get real game time in the two friendliest it will be a travesty and I do not use that word lightly.

[The Bedlington Terrier]

Pope's kicking is what lets him down, when Billy Mercer sorts that out he will romp the England Number One spot, even ahead of Tom Heaton.

[exilecanada]

I don’t really understand why Southgate chose Pope for the friendlies squad other than to give him a taste of being involved in the England set up. Let’s face it, the 3 goalies going to Russia is already a foregone conclusion. However, one could always look at the other side of the coin and considering Butland, Pickford and Hart will go to Russia, why not give Pope some game time and see how he reacts?

As for Tarky, I can see him getting some meaningful game time, he has a real chance of making the plane.