Picking a 5 a side England team

Gareth Southgate got off to a winning start to his England managerial career after Sam Allardyce’s exit, beating Malta 2-0. However, it was Wayne Rooney rather than Big Sam who stole the headlines with his disappointing performance, which led to him being dropped for the Slovenia game. The England team selection is always a hot topic, and we’re putting our own two cents in by having a go at picking a England 5 a side team (don’t worry, there’s no Rooney).

Joe Hart (Goalkeeper):

He might not be Guardiola’s favourite, but Hart is probably still our best prospect between the goalposts, despite incoming competition from Fraser Forster (Southampton). Experienced and making a decent start to life in Serie A with Torino, he’s still the England no. 1, and he’s ours too after a particularly good display against Slovenia.

John Stones (Defense):

Man City’s brilliant start to the season has been a lot about attack, but their defense has been pretty solid too. With Spurs the only team to put more than one past City’s defenders this season, Stones seems as good a choice as any to sure up our team’s defense. Despite his often shaky England partnership with Cahill, they’ve managed to keep a couple of clean sheets, albeit against very beatable opposition.

Jordan Henderson (Midfield):

Off to a flyer with Liverpool this season, Henderson is a definite feature in our 5 a side team. With his man of the match display against Malta at the weekend and England captaincy against Slovenia, there can only be more good things to come from the Liverpool club captain. He’ll sure up our midfield while our next pick, Dele Alli, takes on a more attacking role.

Dele Alli (Midfield):

At only 20 years of age, Alli has quickly become an England regular. After a prosperous first season in the top flight with Spurs, Alli has continued to make an impact, his latest league goal helping to inflict a first league defeat on the leaders, Manchester City. And with another England goal to his name against Malta last Saturday, Alli definitely deserves his place on our team.

Daniel Sturridge (Forward):

Sturridge’s England career has been up and down over the years, but like Southgate, we’re putting our faith in the Liverpool man. Earning his spot ahead of the injured Harry Kane, and edging out Jamie Vardy for a place in our team, Sturridge proved his worth with a goal against Malta at the weekend and we expect him to build on that in the coming England games.

So what do you think of our team selection? Any glaring snubs or controversial picks?

If you’re looking to play your own 5 a side game, Playfinder have hundreds of London based venues to chose from, so take a look at our football page to find your local pitch.