OPINION
Gareth Southgate is making a huge mistake by fielding Ashley Young over Tottenham ace Danny Rose for England at the World Cup.
Southgate has thus far preferred Manchester United’s left-back during the World Cup, despite the player being significantly older than Tottenham’s Rose, contrary to other positions on the pitch where Southgate has opted for youth.
Rose is a superior attacking outlet from the wing-back position than senior player Young, and should be played to ensure England succeed past the stout Sweden defence on Saturday.
This is a sentiment shared by former England player Dennis Wise, who think’s that the recovery time needed by Young should be just-cause to field Rose.
“You’ve got to look if any of them have injuries. Young is 33-years-old in five days. His recovery time might be longer than the others. Rose came on and did extremely well,” Wise stated on Sky Sports News on Wednesday morning, as quoted by Sports Mole.
“If there’s one player who could take a position up its Rose for Young. If everyone else is fit, I’d keep it the same.”
Rose would also be the premium option to link up with his fellow Tottenham team-mates in Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Kieran Trippier and potentially Eric Dier.
It is this bond that has allowed Tottenham to power forward in the Premier League and become a bonafide title contender, and Southgate must look to emulate this scenario.
Rose is a far superior option to Young, and would allow England to progress further in the World Cup than would Young, Southgate has to field him.