It’s hard to remember a more skillful and athletic team than England’s current national team squad. The previous generation with David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, and the like were called the golden generation, but were they?
The current English squad is far more technical, creative, athletic, and direct than the so-called “Golden Generation.” Marcus Rashford for one possess way more technical ability and speed than anyone who played for England in the past. In his current form, Rashford is playing with far more verve and flair than anything England showed in the past.
The quality in the English side goes way beyond just Rashford, and many of the players are brand new. Despite the fact that England have a world-class Number 9 in Harry Kane, The Three Lions now also have Tammy Abraham of Chelsea who plays the same brand of football as Rashford. Better yet, Abraham scores lots of goals, and he scores them using his skill, speed, size, and movement off the ball. He’s an excellent finisher, which is vital to any squad that wants to win the Euros or the World Cup.
England have a new playmaker in Mason Mount who’s creative, skillful, and quick, but who also boasts excellent 1v1 dribbling skills and an excellent shot. There’s also Harry Winks who Tottenham boast has special playmaker qualities, and Dele Ali is also a playmaker. Nevertheless, Mount plays with shades of Kaká in that he’s a playmaker who also has the 1v1 ability and speed to glide past defenders off the dribble.
Raheem Sterling has become a more complete player in his use of both feet, and his game has progressed beyond just using his pace to get past defenders. Plus, don’t forget Callum Hudson-Odoi who excels on the right or left wing. All of this goes to show just how deep and skilled England are now. This is a new phenomenon for The Three Lions.
Alex Oxley-Chamberlain was once thought of something of an attacking midfielder or playmaker because of his individual skill, but it now seems that he thrives as a Number 8 or box-to-box midfielder who can help the team as a center midfielder while also getting forward into the attack. Having a creative and technical Number 8 is a huge asset to any team, and it gives England something of a second playmaker along with Mount, who may have some competition from Dele Alli.
The Three Lions also have Jordan Henderson and Ross Dier to ensure that the team have talented defensive midfielders to sit in front of an improved England defense led by Fikayo Tomori, who has been a revelation for Chelsea along with their other young talents. Tomori is a fast defender who both tackles well and is calm and composed on the ball. He partners Harry Maguire of Manchester United who is perhaps more highly-rated, but Tomori might just be better. England also have Tyrone Mings as a back-up center back, and he has a case to be a starter with Tomori. In the fullback positions, there’s plenty of competition. The Three Lions are particularly deep at right back where they have the option of starting Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier, Reece James, Kyle Walker, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. On the left, Danny Rose is just another example of England’s talented players.
Looking at all these players, it’s clear that England are more talented than they used to be, and it’s also clear that the style of play is way more technical than it used to be. This improved collective skill level combined with world-class special players make England a team more capable of winning major tournaments, and it also makes them more fun to watch.