The Great Debate: Gary Neville and Ian Wright Lock Horns Over England and Spain Combined XI
The Euro 2024 final is just around the corner, with England taking on Spain in a mouth-watering clash. In the build-up to the big game, a combined XI featuring the best of both nations was debated by our expert panel on Stick to Football.
Gary Neville, Ian Wright, and Roy Keane, alongside Jill Scott, each had their say on the make-up of the combined XI. But, it was Neville and Wright’s differing opinions on the central midfield spots that caused the real fireworks.
"I love both [English] Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo," Neville argued, "but on form, you’d have to pick the Spanish players." Wright, however, was keen to select Rice alongside Rodri, stating, "I’d love to see him named alongside Rodri in midfield."
But, Neville’s point was clear – the Spanish duo of Rodri and Fabian Ruiz have been instrumental in their team’s success, and you can’t ignore their impressive displays. Wright eventually came around to Neville’s way of thinking, admitting that the Spanish pair would be hard to leave out.
The debate then shifted to the attacking quartet, where Neville’s suggestion to include Saka and Foden ahead of Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal got Keane’s hackles raised. "Here we go – I’m keeping out of that one! Don’t come to me about that!" he exclaimed. Wright was similarly unmoved, stating, "I’m not getting involved in this, no chance. I’m staying out of this. That was really hard work."
It’s not hard to see why these discussions can be so heated – when you’re selecting from such a talented pool of players, opinions will always be divided. England fans will likely be proud of their stars’ inclusion, while Spanish supporters will be confident that their heroes can lead the way to victory.
For me, the key battles will take place in midfield, where Rodri and Fabian Ruiz will be up against Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo. Can England’s dynamic duo contain the Spanish midfielders’ creative genius, or will Rodri and Ruiz be too powerful?
Whatever the outcome, it promises to be an electric clash on Sunday. Will you be watching?
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