Former England and Manchester United centre-back Rio Ferdinand stated that both Haary Kane and Daniel Sturridge should start for England in their upcoming last-16 encounter with Iceland.
Sturridge and Kane is believed to be the most successful attacking duo in the recent times but the dynamic pair haven’t started a game together for England at Euro 2016.
Harry Kane and Sterling started in the first two games against Russia and Wales but they lacked the finishing on the final ball. Both Sturridge and Vardy delivered up front, scoring two crucial goals after coming from the bench in their 2-1 victory against Wales. Kane and Sterling were benched in the 0-0 stalemate with Slovakia as Hodgson placed his faith upon the shoulders of Sturridge and Vardy.
In his article in the Times, former English centre-back asserted that the incredible technical abilities of the attacking duo are a vital asset for the present England manager Roy Hodgson.
The legendary English defender who has 81 international appearances to his name was previewing on how the game would turn out ahead of Monday’s crucial last-16 clash against Iceland.
Commenting on how the game would shape up for England, Ferdinand said, “ Kane would work the centre-backs, provide a focal point in the middle and be in the six-yard box when the ball is fired across.”
Ferdinand also stated that Liverpool striker Sturridge would be the key weapon for the Three Lions.
“I think it’s a game for someone with a little bit of class, who can unlock the door with a piece of composure, and Sturridge has the guile, the ability,” said Ferdinand.
Sturridge had a disappointing last season as he was out for a considerable amount of time due to injuries. Sturridge stepped up his game, overcoming all the odds after being selected in the final 23-year-man England squad for Euro 2106. Many had questioned Hodgson’s decision of including the Liverpool striker in the final squad, but Sturridge brushed off all the criticism after firing in an injury-time goal to pull up a crucial victory against Wales.
On the contrary, Harry Kane has struggled to replicate his goal-scoring prowess which almost gave Spurs a chance to lift the Premier League title last season. Kane was the top scorer in the last Premier League season with 25 goals to his name but he has failed to find the net in the on-going Euro 2016 Championship. He has drawn a lot of criticism, with fans questioning his fitness as he featured in all the 38 matches in the Premier League last season.
Ferdinand stated that Leicester City star Jamie Vardy should also feature against minnows Iceland and accentuated that it would be favourable for Vardy if he comes off the bench.