England’s pioneer is betting on the Three Lions’ European title

Former England international Viv Anderson has selected his team, the Three Lions, which he believes can win the European Championship.

Gareth Southgate’s team has come under criticism so far in the tournament, even though they qualified for the knockout round as group winners.

However, many fans and experts criticise the style of play and claim that Southgate does not get the best out of players like Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane.

There was also criticism of the team’s line-up. Some called for Gareth to step up his game and play more offensively.

Next up is Slovakia on June 30, a team England have never lost to, and Viv, who won 30 England caps, is tipping his team to equal that record.

When selecting his team for the game, Viv, now a leading motivational speaker, opted for an extremely attacking line-up with Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Antony Gordon and Harry Kane.

The celebrated former Nottingham Forest, Arsenal and Manchester United right-back said: “In goal, Pickford is a good number one for me. In front of him, I see no reason to change the back four. Walker and Trippier would be my full-backs, Stones and Guehi would be the centre-backs. Guehi has had an encouraging tournament so far.”

“I would make some changes in the midfield. For me, Rice and Bellingham have to play, but I would put Palmer with them.

“I would also make a change in the front three. I like Anthony Gordon. So he would step in for Saka and I would put him alongside Harry Kane and Phil Foden. Provided Foden comes back in time, he has to play for me.”

Explaining his decisions, 67-year-old Viv said: “I think Gordon and Palmer will give us more creativity on the wide positions with Gordon’s pace and Palmer’s tricks. Putting Bellingham next to Rice will give us more balance. We need to let Foden play his best position as number 10.”

Regarding our play so far, Viv said: “Our performances have been average so far, but I expect better performances from now on.”

And despite the gloomy mood in England, Viv, who was also player-manager of Barnsley, believes there are reasons to believe England can make it to the top.

“Once you get to the knockout stages, anything is possible,” he said. “And we’ve had good experiences in recent years of making it to the finals and semi-finals, so why not go one step further and win this year? I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we can do it.”

If England don’t make it to the end, there are two teams Viv thinks are the most likely winners.

“I’m impressed by Spain,” he said. “They could do it. But you can’t underestimate the Germans. As hosts, they also have a big advantage and will be difficult to beat.”

To learn more about Viv’s predictions, please follow him at Motivational Speakers Agency

Viv’s Team:

Pickford

Walking aid

Stones

Guehi

Trippier

Palmer

rice

Bellingham

Gordon

Foden

Kane