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JACK ATTACK
Jack Wilshere names all-out attack England XI that should start Euro 2024 opener with Kyle Walker in new position
He has made a surprise selection in defence
ALL-OUT attack can see England cruise through their group, says Jack Wilshere.
The SunSport columnist wants to start with one holding midfielder in Declan Rice.
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That means playing Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in attacking midfield roles, with Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka on the wings, either side of Harry Kane up top.
Wilshere said: “In the group stage against teams we should beat, we can afford to be more expansive, let’s attack.
“It wasn’t that long ago we were saying we didn’t have the Spanish-type of players who can dominate the ball, now we have.
“So let’s try to utilise that, dominate the ball and go for goals.”
Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard struggled in the same line-up at previous tournaments but Wilshere does not think it will be an issue with Bellingham and Foden.
Wilshere said: “Lamps and Gerrard were both right footed and very similar, perhaps Gerrard a bit better defensively and Lamps got a few more goals.
"But Foden and Bellingham — one left-footed, one right.
“Naturally Bellingham will play closer to Kane, making those runs and hopefully scoring those goals that he has for Real.
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Meet the grumpy ROBOT waiter looking after England stars at the Euros
ENGLAND stars will be served by a grumpy ROBOT called Robbie at the Euros.
Robbie is a key part of 160-strong staff at the vast 350-acre leisure site at Blankenhain, eastern Germany, where Gareth Southgate's squad will be staying for the tournament.
The real-life WALL-E - kitted out in a Germany shirt with the name Kehrbart and the squad number 24 on it - helps out in the restaurant.
Robbie, with flashing blue eyes, says phrases in German including “Excuse me” and “Please let me get on with my work” as he collects dishes from guests at one of the hotel’s six restaurants.
A source told The Sun: “Robbie is usually a slate grey colour with flashing blue eyes and helps staff deliver plates and dishes.
“But the German team stayed at the hotel recently so he was given a new look and new name to support them.
“I’m not sure whether the England team will want to change his look when they arrive but a Three Lions shirt and an English name might be a good idea."
Find out all about Robbie the robot waiter...
“Maybe Foden will play a bit lower with the ball and can feed him.”
Discussing Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka out wide and Kane up front, he added: "Kane will understand that if Bukayo is coming inside he'll be looking for a one-two.
England can win Euro 2024 with these tactics
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"I think he [Kane] can spend more time in the box because we're gonna have players in wide areas that can link with the two pocket players we've spoke about.
"We need someone in the box and who better to have in the box than Harry Kane."
And the ex-England midfielder wants Trent Alexander-Arnold to get the nod at right-back, with Kyle Walker centre-back and Luke Shaw at left-back, though he is not set to be fit for the Serbia clash.
He added: "There's been a lot of talk about whether Trent can play in midfield and I think he can.
"But I think you also lose a lot of his qualities, not in really wide positions but in that sort of half-space where he can switch it. We saw a lovely switch of play [against Bosnia]."
Discussing Walker at centre-half, he said: "If Trent rolls in and uses the space inside then Walker's job is to use that outside space a bit more with Stones in the middle and then Shaw or Trippier cover round to protect us.
"Walker gives you a lot there. There aren't many, if any, players in international football that are going to run away from him."
Wilshere also revealed who he believes will be Player of the Tournament should England go all the way.
He said: "Foden for me. Bellingham could be but I think Foden's in a little bit of a better position.
"And then one surprise might be Palmer. He's surprised us all this year with the goals and assists he's got.
"And my mate Dec as well, I think he's really taken his game to another level.
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"I know everyone is talking about Toni Kroos and I'm not saying Dec is there at that level yet but he's close, he's not far behind.
"But Player of the Tournament I'm going Foden."
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