England ‘must play Aaron Wan-Bissaka over Reece James at Euro 2020’, argues Troy Deeney – as veteran striker also claims he feels ‘more safe’ with Nick Pope ahead of Jordan Pickford in goal for the Three Lions
- Troy Deeney believes Aaron Wan-Bissaka should play ahead of Reece James
- England also have Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Tripper at right-back
- Wan-Bissaka is yet to make a senior appearance under boss Gareth Southgate
- Deeney has backed Nick Pope to replace Jordan Pickford in goal for England
Troy Deeney believes Aaron Wan-Bissaka should play ahead of Reece James for England at Euro 2020, and also had his say on the team’s goalkeeper dilemma.
England manager Gareth Southgate is spoilt for choice at right-back with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Atletico Madrid’s Kieran Trippier also in the running alongside the Manchester United defender and Chelsea’s young James.
James started in the Three Lions 5-0 victory over San Marino before being replaced by Trippier – while Manchester City’s Kyle Walker, naturally a right-back, featured the full match at centre-back, where Southgate seems to favour him.
Watford’s Troy Deeney has had his say on the England squad ahead of Euro 2020 this summer
Deeney said Aaron Wan-Bissaka (left) should start ahead of Reece James (right) at right-back
Wan-Bissaka did receive an international call-up but is yet to make an appearance under Southgate and Deeney believes he will be the best man for the job this summer.
‘It’s not personal, just an opinion; I don’t think Reece James goes over Wan-Bissaka,’ he told talkSPORT. ‘I don’t think he should have been in this squad over Wan-Bissaka.
‘He doesn’t always start for Chelsea, that’s a main (reason). But I just think Wan-Bissaka is so good defensively.
‘You can say what you want about (Wan-Bissaka) with the ball, but when it comes to the nitty-gritty you’re going to need someone who will clamp down on their winger, know his role, do his job, get the ball and give it to the better players – that’s what you need in those situations.
‘I’d back (Wan-Bissaka) or Kyle Walker because he’s so fast. But I’d have Wan-Bissaka.’
The veteran striker said he feels ‘more safe’ with Nick Pope in goal over Jordan Pickford
Deeney also weighed in on Southgate’s goalkeeper conundrum ahead of the tournament this summer.
Everton’s Jordan Pickford has been Southgate’s go-to man between the sticks but Burnley stopper Nick Pope has put himself into contention after another fine year with the Clarets.
And the Watford frontman said he feels ‘more safe’ with Pope taking over the reigns from Pickford.
‘I know Pickford technically is the number one, but I feel more safe with Pope in goal,’ he added.
‘I think when you play with Pickford, or you watch Pickford, you’re always thinking, ‘Is that mistake coming?’.
‘I know that’s really harsh because every goalkeeper that makes a mistake will always get highlighted, but I just think when Pope plays – especially when he plays for Burnley – I don’t ever feel like he’s going to make a mistake.
‘He’s solid, he’s reliable, and that’s what you want from your goalkeeper, isn’t it?’