Sol Campbell: England should drop Dele Alli

For the opening game against Russia on Saturday, we need to set the tone for the tournament.

England’s strength is in attacking areas.

Roy Hodgson should be repeating the mantra, ‘attack is the best form of defence’ over and over in the dressing room.

Kyle Walker and Danny Rose have been extremely effective at providing width in the final third all season for Spurs and I think this is the best way for England to set-up.

When either one attacks, Eric Dier drops in to protect Gary Cahill and Chris Smalling and the extreme pace and high energy levels that both full-backs have mean they can always get themselves back into a good defensive position.

I’ve put Wayne Rooney in the middle instead of Dele Alli.

For me, Rooney has to play and a role in midfield should suit his game more, particularly now that we have Harry Kane and Jamie Vardy as genuine strikers who are bang in form.

I’d use Alli as an impact sub.

His ability to create something special and massive work-rate could help England turn matches around or give them a well-timed energy boost if they’re holding on.

I’ve put Raheem Sterling in there to play on the right.

I know he’s had a poor season at Manchester City but with the backing of Hodgson to play without fear of making mistakes I think we might well see the best of him.

This team needs players who aren’t afraid of taking an opponent on and getting to the bye-line.

For me Sterling should be that player.

I’m going with Kane and Vardy in attack.

Together they have pace, good movement, strength and a deadly eye for goal.’

n Sol Campbell was speaking at the launch of Sportlobster’s €1 million Euros Predictor.