Smith: England should embrace attacking talent in Qatar

On a special snap Essential Football podcast following Gareth Southgate’s England squad announcement, Ron Walker speaks to Alan Smith about the 26 men heading for Qatar – and a few of those who aren’t.

After James Maddison’s surprise inclusion, the former Leicester striker assesses Gareth Southgate’s decision to take him to the World Cup, discusses the blend of players in Qatar and Callum Wilson’s inclusion – especially after Antonio Conte said England captain Harry Kane was suffering with ‘fatigue’ in midweek.

He also rates England’s chances of success in Qatar and gives us his first XI for the finals…

England squad reaction: Alan Smith’s thoughts on Southgate’s squad, Maddison, Kane’s ‘fatigue’ and England’s hopes in Qatar

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