Nottingham Forest legend Stuart Pearce has said he would start Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold and Newcastle ace, Callum Wilson, for England tomorrow night. The Three Lions play Wales in their final Group B game looking to top the group.
Neither player has started a game for England at this World Cup. In the case of Liverpool player Alexander-Arnold, he’s yet to get on the pitch in any capacity throughout the tournament.
Wilson came on during the opening win against Iran. England were well on their way to a victory when he was introduced but the striker did register an assist for Jack Grealish to score his first World Cup goal.
Forest fans have seen first-hand that Pearce isn’t afraid to make changes to his team. For a League Cup game against Tottenham in 2014, he headed to North London and changed practically his whole team for the clash.
Pearce has said that he would only start three of the players who started for England against USA. Jordan Pickford, Jude Bellingham and Kieran Trippier would remain and the rest would change.
He told TalkSPORT earlier today: “I think we need to arrive at the knockout stages completely refreshed. I’ve only stuck with three players from the last game.
“I would go with Alexander-Arnold at right wing-back, he needs minutes.
“Upfront I would play a three. I’d play Jack Grealish, I’d give Phil Foden a start and through the middle, I’d play Callum Wilson. That’s what I would do.”
Forest legend Pearce would start Alexander-Arnold and Wilson for England against Wales
It seems likely that England will make some changes to face Wales tomorrow. The players looked rather spent during Friday’s draw with the USA and ultimately, some players would welcome the chance to rest.
Alexander-Arnold and Wilson would represent safe players to start. Both are in decent form for their club sides and Gareth Southgate has some big decisions to make tomorrow night.
England need a massive shock to not make the knockout stages. Wales would have to win by four clear goals if they’re to knock the Three Lions out of the tournament and that really doesn’t seem likely.