Gareth Southgate has a variety of midfielders to choose from with Dele Alli, Jordan Henderson, Eric Dier, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fabian Delph all capable of playing in the middle of the park.
The inclusion of the midfielders above have seen the likes of Jack Wilshere and Jonjo Shelvey left at home – and Newcastle fans are far from impressed with the latter’s exclusion after England’s recent performance.
Despite the Three Lions coming out on top against Tunisia in their 2-1 victory, Magpies supporters feel Shelvey is a player who could’ve added something extra to the team on the night.
Shelvey has a range of passing and isn’t afraid of playing long, ambitious balls that some players may cower from. The 26-year-old definitely would’ve been a viable option for Southgate had he been called up, especially in games against teams such as Tunisia, who defend deep and can be hard to breakdown.
However, Jordan Henderson, who started in midfield against England’s opening World Cup opponents, carried out his role well and was adventurous with his passing.
Considering England also have a player like Loftus-Cheek, for example, who can come on and change the game from midfield, Southgate’s thinking behind his midfield selection is very reasonable to say the least.
Newcastle fans, on the other hand, may disagree. You can see their thoughts on Shelvey’s exclusion here…
Still disgraceful that Shelvey isn’t in that squad.
Nothing will ever change my opinion on that. @England#NUFC
— Burnsie NUFC (@BenArfaChance) June 18, 2018
I agree Shelvey should be in the squad, but to be fair to Loftus-Cheek he changed the game when he came on. #WorldCup2018 #England
— COLA (@Percycola) June 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/_thomasfox96/status/1008793595674087425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
I know England got the win in the end and well done but Jonjo Shelvey would have been perfect to open up that defence
— Ian Thomas (@IanThomas23NUFC) June 18, 2018
https://twitter.com/mquinnNUFC/status/1008799259922239492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
This is where Shelvey would be opening up defenses. #ShelveyTime #ENGTUN #ENG href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/TUN?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#TUN href=”https://twitter.com/hashtag/NUFC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw”>#NUFC
— Matt Watson (@Matt_Watson87) June 18, 2018
