Marcos Alonso: Chelsea Sign Fiorentina Defender

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Marcos Alonso: Chelsea Sign Fiorentina Defender - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Marcos Alonso has joined Chelsea from Fiorentina on the summer transfer deadline day in a deal thought to be around £23m.

Fiorentina confirmed the deal on their official website on Wednesday afternoon.

Chelsea, shortly afterwards, have confirmed the deal as well on their official website.

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has addressed the need of signing a left-back and a centre-back and Alonso fits the bill perfectly. The 25-year-old defender has the required experience to play in both positions and therefore would be a very good addition for the Blues.

Alonso becomes Chelsea’s fourth major signing of the summer and joins Michy Batshuayi, N’Golo Kante and Portugal goalkeeper Eduardo at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso said: ‘I’m very happy. It’s a step up in my career and I think this is the perfect place for me to continue developing. It’s time for me to win some titles.

‘It was an easy decision for me to make when I heard the club were interested in signing me. My family and close friends know Chelsea is the club I have dreamed about playing for so I’m really excited about the challenge and I’m looking forward to working with my new team-mates.’

There could be one or two more signings before the transfer window closes tonight, with Chelsea reportedly are close to bringing back their former defender David Luiz from PSG.

The 29-year-old was a fan favourite during his time at the Bridge and looks all set to re-join his former club, with the transfer fee could cross £40m, including bonuses.

Luiz will undergo a medical at Chelsea’s training ground around 6pm local time before completing his move.

Chelsea have also reportedly inquired about the availability of West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna while the Blues even held talks with Valencia to sign Aymen Abdennour on loan.

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Deadline Day Live: Arsenal Transfer News From 2016 Summer Window

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Deadline Day Live: Arsenal Transfer News From 2016 Summer Window - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

It’s the transfer deadline day and Arsenal are expected to be busy on the final day of the transfer window.

The Gunners may not sign any new player today but star midfielder Jack Wilshere may leave the club on loan. Also, French defender Mathieu Debuchy is wanted by a host of European clubs.

Here, we’re bringing you all the major Arsenal transfer news in the form of live blog / commentary covering the final few hours of the 2016 summer transfer window.

 

You’ll be able to catch all the latest transfers news and updates today on Soccerlens and on Twitter.

 

ARSENAL TRANSFER NEWS: LIVE!

9:30 am: The Gunners have enjoyed a brilliant transfer window, probably their best in many years, but they are unlikely to add any new players today.

However, there could be a few players moving out on loan, and one of them could be England midfielder Jack Wilshere.

Wilshere has been at the club throughout his career but injuries have hampered his progress in recent years. Arsenal are choc-a-bloc with world class midfielders at the moment, and Arsene Wenger cannot guarantee him regular starting berth.

He needs to play regularly again and the best possible scenario for him is to move elsewhere. According to reports from Sky Sports, Premier League clubs Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are looking to sign him on loan.

Sky Sports reporting earlier today: 

“The latest information I have is that Jack Wilshere’s five team shortlist is down to two. Last night we were told Wilshere was considering season-long loan deals from five clubs with three from the Premier League – Crystal Palace, Bournemouth and Watford – and two from Portugal, Sporting Lisbon and Benfica.

“We understand Wilshere will be choosing between Crystal Palace and Bournemouth. Wilshere had meetings with both clubs yesterday and informed them he would inform them of his decision at some point this morning. So it does seem inevitable that Wilshere will be leaving the on loan.”

9:40 am: Debuchy to leave? 

According to reports from French newspaper L’Equipe, Spanish club Espanyol have made an approach to sign Debuchy on loan.

We will keep an eye on that as well.

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Deadline Day Live: Chelsea Transfer News From 2016 Summer Window

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Deadline Day Live: Chelsea Transfer News From 2016 Summer Window - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

It’s the transfer deadline day and Chelsea are expected to be busy on the final day of the transfer window.

Here, we’re bringing you all the major Chelsea transfer news in the form of live blog / commentary covering the final few hours of the 2016 summer transfer window.

You’ll be able to catch all the latest transfers news and updates today on Soccerlens and on Twitter.

 

CHELSEA TRANSFER NEWS: LIVE!

9.10 am – We will be keeping a close eye on several deals today. Marcos Alonso is likely to complete his move from Fiorentina today. There is also a reported interest in PSG defender David Luiz. Plus, a lot of Chelsea players could go out on loan today.

9.20 am – Marcos Alonso follows Chelsea on Twitter 

This is probably the biggest hint that the transfer will definitely happen today. The Fiorentina defender has started following Chelsea FC on twitter.

AC3XvoCuRQCeRknt8lYe_Alonso

 

9:25 am: Christian Atsu will join Newcastle United today 

The Chelsea winger was spotted with his agent at the St. James’ Park last night. He has undergone a medical at the Tyneside and will complete his transfer today.

His agent has posted a picture on social media of him with the player on the pitch at St James’ Park.

9:30 am: Will Chelsea sign David Luiz? 

The Blues have made a formal bid to sign their former defender, according to French publication L’Equipe, thought to be in the region of €41m. 

Luiz has dropped down the pecking orders behind Thiago Silva and Marquinhos at PSG, but Unai Emery wants him to be a part of the squad.

According to French daily Le Parisien, negotiation is ongoing between all parties, but in all probability, PSG will not sell Luiz on the deadline day without finding a proper replacement.

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Wenger delivers as Arsenal wrap up outstanding transfer window

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Wenger delivers as Arsenal wrap up outstanding transfer window - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Arsenal announced the signings of Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez from La Liga outfits Valencia and Deportivo yesterday.

Some of the key issues regarding Arsenal’s transfer business over the years have been Wenger’s reluctance to spend, his willingness to sign unproven talents and of course the lack of leadership and experience.

The Arsenal manager has not only addressed those issues, he has plugged almost all of the major gaps in his squad this summer.

The North London giants have been crying out for another striker over the last few seasons and Arsene Wenger has finally delivered.

Arsenal have lacked depth in the their striking department since the days of Henry and Reyes. Even when Van Persie was around, the Frenchman had to field makeshift strikers during an injury crisis.

It has been a similar case in the last few years as well. In the absence of Giroud, Walcott and Sanchez have played as strikers.

For the first time in years, Wenger has two recognised goal scorers in his side. And both players are well capable of starting for a Premier League side.

lucas-perez-arsenal-transfer

Although it might seem a very low key signing at first, it is important to remember that Perez compliments Arsenal’s style of play and was undoubtedly one of the best strikers in La Liga last season.

Perez can operate as a winger as well as the number in. His ability to cut inside makes him a great option as an inside forward as well. Despite his weaknesses in the air, Perez makes up for it with his eye for goal and his hold up play in and around the box.

Arsenal have yearned for a clinical presence upfront ever since Robin Van Persie left for Manchester United. Perez will not only contribute to their build-up play, the Spaniard can also finish off the chances.

Also with Ozil, Cazorla, Ramsey and Sanchez in behind him Perez will have a lot of chances to showcase his finishing skills this season.

As for Mustafi, the German international will add much-needed depth to Arsenal’s injury-prone backline. The Gunners are in a bit of a crisis after the likes of Gabriel and Mertesacker picked up injuries at the start of the season.

Mustafi will not only provide solid cover alongside Koscielny, his versatility will prove to be an invaluable asset for Wenger if and when he needs cover at the full back positions.

The German can operate as a centre-back or a right-back. He can also fill in as a makeshift defensive midfielder.

mustafi-arsenal-transfer

Earlier this summer, Arsenal sealed a mega-money move for Granit Xhaka. The Borussia Monchengladbach midfielder addresses another major weakness at the club.

Arsenal have often been bullied at the centre of the park due to the absence of a combative central midfielder and the Switzerland international is just that.

Apart from his excellent passing range and positioning, Xhaka offers a powerful presence and impressive defensive contribution.

Alongside someone like Cazorla, the former Bundesliga star could lay the foundations of a very good midfield.

XhakaArsenal

Another addition this summer was that of the young and talented defender Rob Holding. The former Bolton youth star attracted a lot of interest with his mature performances in the Championship and could prove to be a shrewd acquisition in future.

The likes of Mustafi and Xhaka will add much-needed leadership on and off the pitch apart from their undoubted quality. Both players have played a key role in the dressing room for their former clubs and will be expected to do the same at Emirates now.

Overall it has been Arsenal’s best window in the last few years, in terms of incomings. If Wenger can shift the fringe players before the transfer window closes tonight, their business summer will have been exemplary.

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Deadline Day Live Blog: Transfer News, Done Deals From 2016 Summer Window

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Deadline Day Live Blog: Transfer News, Done Deals From 2016 Summer Window - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

It’s the transfer deadline day and we’re bringing you a live event / commentary covering the final few hours of the 2016 summer transfer window.

Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester City and other heavyweight Premier League clubs are in a rush to get the deals signed off and approved by the league.

You’ll be able to catch all the latest transfers news and updates today on Soccerlens and on Twitter.

TRANSFER DEADLINE DAY: LIVE!

06:20 am – Let’s start the day. It is approximately 17 hours to go until the window shuts. A quick recap of what’s in store for us:

Arsenal: The Gunners have confirmed the signings of Shkodran Mustafi and Lucas Perez from Valencia and Deportivo La Coruna respectively.

Centre-back Calum Chambers has been loaned to Middlesbrough and there are high chances that England midfielder Jack Wilshere could move away from Arsenal as well today.

Chelsea: The Blues are close to sealing a deal for Marcos Alonso. The Londoners have already agreed to a fee with the Fiorentina defender, who is all set to undergo a medical today.

Antonio Conte is also keen to bring back former Chelsea defender David Luiz at the Bridge. According to Sky Sources, Chelsea have made £30m plus add-ons to Paris Saint-Germain to sign the defender.

Liverpool: No new signing is expected today but it could be a busy day in Merseyside, with several players likely to be loaned out today, including Mamadou Sakho.

Manchester Clubs: It’s going to be a relatively quiet day at Old Trafford but Man City will be busy sorting out transfer moves for one or two players.

———————————————————————————–

 

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Chelsea transfer news: Blues confirm three loan departures

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Chelsea transfer news: Blues confirm three loan departures - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Chelsea have confirmed on their official website that Loic Remy, Patrick Bamford and Kenedy have left the club on season-long loan deals to Crystal Palace, Burnley and Watford respectively.

None of these players seem to be a part of Antonio Conte’s plans at the moment, and will need to do exceptionally well to ever get into the Italian’s side at Stamford Bridge.

Remy was signed by the club in the summer of 2014, and the Frenchman scored 9 goals in all competitions as Chelsea won the Premier League and League Cup double. He was unable to kick on and find regular playing time last season though, scoring just once in the league. With the Blues signing Michy Batshuayi in the summer, it was unlikely that he would get too much of a look-in in this campaign.

Chelsea transfer news

Bamford, on the other hand, is someone who is yet to get a chance to prove his worth at Stamford Bridge. The striker was voted the Championship Player of the Year during his loan stint at Middlesbrough in the 2014/15 season, but failed to establish himself in either of his subsequent spells with Premier League outfits Crystal Palace and Norwich City. He now faces competition at Burnley from Sam Vokes and Andre Gray, and it remains to be seen if he’s given the opportunity to settle in and make an impact.

Chelsea transfer news

With Remy and Bamford leaving, Chelsea only have two recognised strikers in the squad in Costa and Batshuayi. Bertrand Traore and Tammy Abraham were the other front men sent out this summer. This is especially surprising considering that Conte may be looking to gradually switch to a system whereby he plays two up top.

The third loanee, Kenedy, seemed to be making in-roads in the first team last year. The Brazilian proved his versatility by playing at both the left-back and left-wing positions, but fell out of favour with Conte in pre-season. At only 20 though, Kenedy still has a long way to go before becoming the finished product and gaining some game time at Vicarage Road can only do him good.

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England look for ‘international transfers’ to boost World Cup hopes

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England look for ‘international transfers’ to boost World Cup hopes - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

As he prepares for his first game in the England manager’s hot seat, Sam Allardyce has already ruffled the feathers of English football’s traditionalists by casting his net beyond the local shores.

Talk about a change of approach following the debacle that Euro 2016 was, Allardyce has set about altering the approach of selecting players to represent the Three Lions. Sevilla man Steven N’Zonzi, a former Allardyce player at Blackburn Rovers, was the first player whose potential to become an England player was explored but that move has since cooled off after the France-born midfielder was deemed ineligible.

But Allardyce remains undeterred. Possibly inspired by the strides taken by other sports notably cricket, rugby and athletics, Allardyce has talked up the possibility of widening the pool of players available to him which he believes will help his and England’s quest to improve the nation’s World Cup 2018 hopes.

Steven N'Zonzi played under Allardyce at Blackburn

Steven N’Zonzi played under Allardyce at Blackburn

 

 

Speaking at an FA press conference yesterday, he said: “Cricket do it, rugby do it, athletics do it. It’s not happening [with N’Zonzi] but we can cover this a bit more if I find another player. We have a department to look at the whole situation in all areas for every [age range] international team.”

Allardyce’s first noteworthy move of his England reign has largely been influenced by the lack of quality English players in the Premier League. While most of the players called up for Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Slovakia in Bratislava play prominent roles for their respective clubs, the fact only 31 percent of Premier League players are English raises concerns about the national game.

Also factor in number one goalkeeper Joe Hart’s predicament at Manchester City where he has failed to get adequate game time and things appear not too rosy for the Three Lions. While other countries have long been naturalising foreigners into their national teams, England lags behind in this particular aspect of left field selections.

“It happens in all the other countries and we all know the shortage of English players in the Premier League. I think it is only 31%. If those don’t play on a regular basis and there is another option, then surely, if we are going to win something and that player is of the calibre to force his way into the side, we give him an opportunity,” Big Sam added.

Whether England can find players of considerable quality to improve their chances of success remains to be seen, but Allardyce seems keen to explore the options and take a route different from his predecessors, who weren’t exactly the harbingers of change. But one sticking point could be the criticism that will inevitably come the FA’s way, after having appeared to stick to English football’s traditions by appointing an English manager in Allardyce.

“You could say that but does including a player who qualifies because he has played here long enough give us the opportunity to get together the best squad to win?” he said, unfazed by the criticism that he and the FA might face.

England have been abysmal at major tournaments in recent times; their last semi-final appearance was way back at Euro 1996 and they have won only seven knockout round matches in tournaments since the 1966 World Cup. What Allardyce is seeking is how to maximise England’s chances at major tournaments, and he is ready to embrace change for that.

“The balance is quite difficult. If that player is top quality… do you pick the best squad to win the World Cup? And if one or two of those are like N’Zonzi, do you do it? Or don’t you, and then you suffer the consequences of not winning it, or not getting to the quarter-finals, and failure?” Allardyce added.

With foreign players coming into the Premier League at a rate like never before, there are opportunities aplenty to find the missing pieces of the Three Lions jigsaw. However, the biggest challenges could be the language barrier that a foreigner could potentially face as well as the issue of selecting one player too many that might undermine the identity of the national team as well as alienate fans.

Allardyce calls it “a very delicate subject” and finding the right balance that helps the national team to take forward steps could just be the finest achievement of an England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey.

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PL Roundup: Arsenal deal agreed; Chelsea set to complete double deal; Klopp's mega bid for forward

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PL Roundup: Arsenal deal agreed; Chelsea set to complete double deal; Klopp's mega bid for forward - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

The summer transfer window closes tomorrow night and the Premier League elite are looking to wrap up their business and finish the window strongly.

Here at Soccerlens we bring you some of the latest transfer news/rumours from Europe’s most popular footballing league.

Liverpool submit £30m bid for Luan

Liverpool have submitted a 30 million pounds bid for Brazilian attacker Luan.

The highly rated Gremio forward impressed for Brazil during the Olympics this summer and helped his country win the gold medal in Rio.

According to latest reports from the English media, Klopp is looking to put together a new look attack and has identified Luan as the perfect foil for Firmino and Coutinho.

Luan scored twice in the Olympics this summer and has been linked with a move away from Brazil all summer.

However, a deal will be complicated due to his ownership issues. Gremio own 70% of the player and the rest will have to be negotiated with a third party.

With just two days remaining in the transfer window, it is highly unlikely that Liverpool will be able to complete the transfer this summer.

marcelo-brozovic-inter-milan-chelsea-transfer

Chelsea close to signing Inter Milan midfielder Marcelo Brozovic

According to Daily Mail, Chelsea are close to signing the Inter Milan midfielder Brozovic for a fee of 25 million pounds.

Inter have signed Joao Mario from Sporting this summer and are now willing to let go of the Croatian international.

Antonio Conte wants to add more depth to his central midfield and is an admirer of the Inter Milan midfielder.

Furthermore, Mail adds that the Blues will also complete a 23 million pounds move for Fiorentina left-back Marcos Alonso.

The Spanish left-back has impressed for the Serie A club and Conte wants him to strengthen the Chelsea defense. The Blues do not have a specialist left back in their squad at the moment and are using Azpilicueta as a temporary solution.

chambers-arsenal-middlesbrough-transfer

Calum Chambers set to leave Arsenal on loan

Arsenal centre-back Calum Chambers is set to sign for Premier League side Middlesbrough on loan.

The former Southampton player has failed to establish himself as a starter at Arsenal so far and will now leave in order to secure regular first team action.

The Gunners are set to sign Shkodran Mustafi from Valencia and therefore Chambers will find it harder to break into the first team scene now.

Goal are claiming that a deal has been agreed between the two clubs.

Furthermore, the arrival of Rob Holding has also complicated matters for Chambers. The former Bolton defender is now ahead of Chambers in the pecking order at Arsenal.

chelsea-Juan-Cuadrado-juventus

Chelsea negotiating Juan Cuadrado’s transfer to Juventus

According to the Italian media, Chelsea are negotiating a sale with the Italian giants.

The 28-year-old winger impressed for the Italian champions last season and Juventus were keen on extending the loan deal. However, the Blues want to get rid of the player permanently and have now opened talks with the Serie A outfit.

Cuadrado joined Chelsea in January 2015 and failed to impress the then Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho. He was then loaned out to Juventus last season.

real-madrid-isco-tottenham-transfer

Finally, Tottenham interested in Real Madrid midfielder Isco

According to latest reports from the Spanish media, Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino has asked the club to sign Isco.

The Real Madrid midfielder has been in and out of the side ever since he joined Los Blancos from Malaga.

Isco needs to play regularly in order to fulfill his potential and therefore the Spaniard has been linked with a move away from Bernabeu all summer.

Marca claims that Spurs have now asked for him and a deal will be difficult to complete.

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Early signs suggest Chelsea are serious contenders for 2016-17 Premier League title

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Early signs suggest Chelsea are serious contenders for 2016-17 Premier League title - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Chelsea had a middling 2015-16 season to put it very mildly. The incumbent champions leapt from one crisis to another both on and off the field and finished the season in the 10th place, which was unthinkable when the season began. The tone of the season, however, was set in the early days with the club playing an uninspiring brand of football and the manager (Jose Mourinho) getting into a distasteful controversy with the team doctor.

The appointment of Antonio Conte as the new man in the helm for this season was good news for the fans. Here was a man who in charge of Juventus and Italy had shown good tactical nous coupled with a strict disciplinarian approach. While that makes him similar to Mourinho, the area of dissimilarity was the lack of controversy with Conte. Chelsea were getting a new manager who had the good traits of the “Special One”, minus the baggage. The summer transfer window till date has helped to shore up some of the cracks in the squad, with N’Golo Kante slotting in the engine room of the midfield and Michy Batshuayi providing an able substitute striker for Diego Costa.

While the transfer window is still not shut, the early results in the Premiership have been somewhat promising for the team. Two come from behind victories against West Ham and Watford, and a decisive 3-0 triumph over Burnley last Saturday have calmed the nerves of the supporters and have laid down the marker for Chelsea’s title aspirations.

One major concern has been the area of defence with Chelsea only having five defenders in their squad – the foursome of Terry, Cahill, Ivanovic and Azpilicueta and the youngster in Ola Aina. The center of the defence looks shorn of pace and there are no ball playing defenders who can start moves from the deep defence. On the right-back, Ivanovic was disastrous in the previous season and his lack of game reading in that position is apparent this term too. Azpilicueta has been in good touch and has made the left back position a fortress for the Blues.

Two major areas that lend to worries about the defence: the glaring lack of defensive cover in case of injuries, and inadequate protection against quick attackers working the channels and nippy left wingers cutting inside to create waves of attack. Conte proved himself to be a master of defensive gameplay in his earlier stints, and with transfer targets like Kalidou Koulibaly, Nikola Maksimovic or Marcus Alonso it looks like his primary concern is to improve the defence, but questions still remain whether he would be able to create a much grittier unit in a short time.

The midfield looks solid with Kante and Matic providing a solid base – Kante particularly seems to be reprising his role with Leicester which is a Makelele kind of a role with vastly improved attacking gameplay. Matic has recovered substantially from the car wreck of a midfielder last season. The attacking half of the midfield has started off in good nick – both Oscar and Willian look composed and comfortable in transitioning from defence to attack and also pressing the opposition at their halves. Cesc Fabregas has made most of the limited opportunities he has got – though it remains to be seen how Conte finds a place for him in the starting eleven. He remains the imperious passer, and with shifting preferences of the squad, might get more regular chances. On the flanks, Pedro and Victor Moses have been solid while attacking. Although not world beaters on their day, this is an improvement over last season and provides alternate tactical opportunities.

In attack, Diego Costa has looked in good touch in all 3 games and is regularly getting into the right positions that a striker in form does. His disciplinary problems are out there, but by now it’s considered a part of the package for the fearsome striker and Conte might not want to change too much. Batshuayi has also looked the epitome of the modern striker – strong, speedy and comfortable with the ball even in deeper areas. His age masks his maturity of link-up play with the midfield. Loic Remy has had no chance this season, and would go out on loan to Crystal Palace in all probability. Even with two strikers, the unit looks a healthy one till the winter transfer window.

Finally – the phenomenon called Eden Hazard. He looks like the version of the POTY of 2014-15 and not the flop of 2015-16. His sophisticated attributes of dribbling at speed and precision of shooting at the goal are back at their very best on early evidence. The energy of Kante in deep midfield has also relieved Hazard of the duty to track back while in defence, a part of the game which he doesn’t seem to enjoy at any rate. Hazard is the factor that makes the Chelsea squad competitive when compared to the squad strength of star-studded Manchester giants.

On the balance of things, Chelsea under Conte is a very functional unit with specialists at every position playing their parts and there are no overarching structures like Tiki-Taka or gegenpressing. It’s football at its simplest or however simple as it can be is the era of managerial sophisticates. The defence needs additional resources, the midfield and attack (and goalkeeping too) look settled to mount a title challenge. The Blues clearly are not on par with the Manchester teams in quality on the team sheet but are a very good collective led by one of the best attackers in the world and under the stewardship of a no-nonsense and tactically sound manager. Based on their outings so far and the expectation that weaknesses in defence are mended, the team looks to be a serious contender for the Premiership title.

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Sam Allardyce names his first England squad, bigger challenges ahead

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Sam Allardyce names his first England squad, bigger challenges ahead - originally posted on Soccerlens.com

Sam Allardyce has named his first squad as England manager for the upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifier against Slovakia and there aren’t too many surprises. Luke Shaw and Theo Walcott have made their return to the national team, whilst West Ham’s Michail Antonio has earned his first international call-up.

Manchester United star Luke Shaw was always expected to return to the England squad, after his long injury. His club teammates Chris Smalling and Wayne Rooney have also been called up, but Allardyce hasn’t confirmed if the Manchester United skipper is going to remain as the England captain too. Marcus Rashford is a notable exclusion from the squad, and that’s probably due to lack of playing time at Manchester United.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has also retained his place in the team, despite some criticism for his recent performances. Jurgen Klopp preferred to leave Daniel Sturridge out against Tottenham, but Allardyce has named him in his squad. Nathaniel Clyne and Adam Lallana are also on the squad list following their recent impressive performances.

Allardyce has named 5 players from Tottenham in his squad. Harry Kane, Kyle Walker, Dele Alli, Danny Rose, and Eric Dier have all received expected call-ups.

Everton’s Ross Barkley is a notable name missing on the list, despite a good start to the season. Allardyce has also overlooked Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

Joe Hart might not be in Pep Guardiola’s future plans, but he is very much a part of Allardyce’s squad. Manchester City young stars John Stones and Raheem Sterling have also been called up, and are expected to be heavily involved in the England setup in the next few months.

Danny Drinkwater was left out of the Euros squad by Roy Hodgson, but could earn his fourth cap for the Three Lions after Allardyce named him in the squad. Jamie Vardy has also been named alongside Kane and Sturridge.

There aren’t too many changes to the squad that Roy Hodgson took to France, but England supporters would certainly be hoping for changes in their performances. Allardyce would want to start building from scratch and his first squad has a good mixture of young and experienced players.

Allardyce’s biggest challenge is to make them play as a team, and build a chemistry between them. Something that has been lacking in the England squad for a while.

England have been quite disappointing in major tournaments in the last few years, and Allardyce should work towards building a team that’s capable of delivering performances on a bigger stage.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers Fraser Forster (Southampton), Joe Hart (Manchester City), Tom Heaton (Burnley).

Defenders Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Liverpool), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Danny Rose (Tottenham), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Chris Smalling (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Tottenham).

Midfielders Dele Alli (Tottenham), Michail Antonio (West Ham), Eric Dier (Tottenham), Danny Drinkwater (Leicester), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Theo Walcott (Arsenal).

Strikers Harry Kane (Tottenham), Daniel Sturridge (Liverpool), Jamie Vardy (Leicester).

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