Former Arsenal and England midfielder Ray Parlour believes the Three Lions should play to their strengths in Qatar ‘22 and prioritise attack over defence.
"I wanted Gareth to go with a back four against Iran, so I’m really pleased he did.
"There was a lot of talk before the World Cup that he would go with a three, with wing-backs, but we have so many good attacking players we’re wasting a player going forward with three at the back.
"I much prefer it when we start on the front foot as we’re a young team."
It’s a young team that has so far greatly impressed, thrashing Iran 6-2 in their opening fixture and doing so with no little style. Saka was sensational. Sterling quietened his critics with a well-taken goal.
Yet remarkably, standing out from an array of notable performances, at the heart of all that was good about England, was an outstanding and mature display from the youngest member of their squad.
What did the popular Talksport pundit make of Jude Bellingham’s debut on the world stage?
"He’s brilliant isn’t he. I knew that going into the tournament. It’s a big occasion, a World Cup and he’s 19 years old. To just rock up and be unfazed by everything is incredible.
"I like the old-fashioned midfielders like that. My idol growing up was Bryan Robson, a box-to-box midfielder who could do anything. He could pass, tackle, and he had a feisty side to him, which Bellingham has got as well.
"So, he’s going to be some star going forward, so long as he keeps his feet on the ground and keeps learning from players. This could be a huge World Cup for him."
Start as we mean to go on. Good time to finally get my first goal for England. Another dream come true. Let’s keep pushing!🏴🙌🏽 pic.twitter.com/NHenrrhwsN
— Jude Bellingham (@BellinghamJude) November 21, 2022
Just as it could be a huge tournament for a certain Harry Kane, who is in contention to become the first ever player to win two Golden Boot awards.
A rare blank fired last Monday, however, suggests this unique feat may be a miracle too far. Parlour though is having none of it.
"Harry could get a couple in the next game and that’s how quickly things can change. The good thing about Harry against Iran was that he was always involved.
"If he’s not getting on the end of chances, then he’s setting people up. He’s always lively and always wants the ball. He would be a fantastic number nine for any nation so we’re lucky to have him.
"I can definitely see him bang some goals in and he’s got every chance for a Golden Boot."
Parlour’s fans will be familiar with this infectious optimism and enthusiasm that comes through in every show he does.
And here it extends beyond Kane’s hopes to out-score his peers and focuses on England’s chances in what might very possibly be a wide-open tournament.
"You just have to believe they can do it. That’s what it’s all about. And then it’s all about the old cliché and taking one game at a time.
"Injuries will be important, and they need a bit of luck along the way. If all of that happens, then England have every chance of reaching the final."
Should the Three Lions go all the way, no doubt their young guns will play a huge part in getting them there, no-one more so than Bukayo Saka who has already shown his worth with two opening day goals.
Does it concern Parlour – a lifelong Gooner - that such eye-catching performances will only add to the transfer speculation that surrounds the 21-year-old?
"A lot of clubs will be very interested in Saka because he’s been playing so well. I think Arsenal are trying to do a deal at the moment and I hope he looks at it and thinks, we are building something, and we can be successful, and I want to be a part of that.
"Obviously, if he doesn’t sign there will be lots of clubs interested because he’s such a good little player but that’s football. The best teams will always be interested in the best players.
"We had it when I was a player, with Henry and Bergkamp. But when you start to become successful as a team why would he want to leave? I hope he stays and I’m sure every Arsenal fan will celebrate when he signs that new contract."
Switching our attention to club football, it could be said that the World Cup came at the worst possible time for the Gunners, as they stretched out a lead at the summit of the Premier League against all expectation.
Does he believe Mikel Arteta’s men can maintain their title challenge on their return? And was he surprised by their early burst of form?
💰 “January is going to be important! There might be some money for Arteta.”
— talkSPORT (@talkSPORT) November 8, 2022
🔴 “They need another midfielder like Tielemans or a backup striker for Jesus!”
Ray Parlour explains what #AFC need to do in January to compete for the title 🏆 pic.twitter.com/zy6kLRRvH2
"I knew Arsenal were progressing because I was on their pre-season tour in America. I saw the intensity in training and how the players were really taking in what Mikel was telling them, taking it all on board and doing their jobs very well.
"They’ve done so well and kept it going but this is a strange World Cup, we know that, coming in mid-season. We don’t know what condition the players will come back in and that’s a big problem for all clubs
"If you’re Jesus or Martinelli and you think you’ve had a bad tournament that might knock your confidence. And injuries will be key as well.
"If Arsenal remain competitive, and stay in the hunt then who knows, but they still have to play City twice and they will be the crunch games for both teams."
Ray Parlour quickfire questions:
Score prediction for England v USA
- I’ll go 2-0 to England.
First goalscorer
- I’ve got to go with Harry Kane.
Team to win World Cup
- Brazil.
