England’s big problem area at left back didn’t look any closer to being resolved in a 1-0 defeat against Brazil.
The Three Lions lost at Wembley for the first time in four years thanks to teenage sensation Endrick, but it wasn’t necessarily defending that was the issue.
Gareth Southgate’s men looked out of ideas in attack, and Arsenal great Perry Groves is worried about what’s happening at full-back.
With Luke Shaw out injured, Ben Chilwell came in at left-back, and despite being solid at the back, two chances fell to him at the other end of the pitch, and were wasted.
A Champions League-winner with Chelsea, the 27-year-old is an attacking powerhouse at his best, but Groves is concerned to see any impetus missing.
The talkSPORT host explained: “I’ve got this beef with left-backs at the moment. I think Chilwell, OK he’s rusty because he’s been injured and he isn’t match sharp, but he’s one of those players, and I put Luke Shaw in this category, who looks like he just does enough.
“You want a little bit more dynamism, energy and impulsiveness and you don’t get it. He created a couple of overlaps to be fair to him and he created space for Anthony Gordon to come inside and link up with Jude Bellingham.
“But I think what epitomised his performances was when it came to him on the edge of the 18-yard box. If you’re completely match fit and tuned in and you are being positive, a player of his quality should be hitting the target both times.
“One he scuffed and the other he smacked over the crossbar. I looked at him and thought, ‘are you worried about getting injured again?’ He should be a lot more energetic going up and down the left hand side.
“That’s going to be a problem area with Luke Shaw injured, but he will be first choice when he comes back.”
2
Leaving the pitch in the 67th minute, Chilwell was replaced by Joe Gomez, a centre-back by trade.
The right-footed Gomez has had his best season yet for Liverpool, performing at centre back, right-back, and impressively even left back.
However, Groves would much prefer someone who can naturally fulfil the role.
“I can’t understand why Tyrick Mitchell wasn’t in the squad,” he said of the Crystal Palace man. “I’ve never seen him rinsed by a winger, he’s quick, he can recover, he’s an experienced Premier League player.
“I’d rather have an average left-back – and I’m not saying he is one – but I’d rather have an average left back than a very good right-back playing left back. The whole game opens out when you have a left footed player on the left hand side.”