Message to Southgate? Ferdinand: I’ll walk back from Germany if Meenu doesn’t start!

With England facing Switzerland in the quarter-finals of the Euros, all eyes are on manager Southgate, who is preparing for a “radical tactical change.” Both Ferdinand and Wilshere have made it clear that Meenu must start, no matter the formation or surprise tactics.

Ferdinand tweeted, “If Kobe (Meenu) doesn’t start, I’ll walk back to England from Germany! Must happen!” While some users joked that Ferdinand “might have to swim across the Channel,” the majority agreed that Meenu is currently England’s in-form player and deserves a starting spot.

According to British media and Sky TV, Southgate is considering a switch to a back three due to Marc Gay’s suspension. Stones, Cance and Walker are tipped to form the central defense, with Bellingham and Foden operating behind Kane. Arnold might feature as right wing-back, with Saka or Luke Shaw for the left. The main debate surrounds who will partner Rice in central midfield, with Meenu and Gallagher in contention.

Ferdinand’s stance has garnered support from experts, including former England international Wilshere, who told The Sun, “Meenu has shown he’s worthy of being the focal point of England’s midfield. When we looked like losing, I thought so, even though he wasn’t on the pitch for that incredible comeback goal. Before that, he was our best player. Fearless, with an instinct to do the right thing at the right time – something England seemed to lack for much of the game. Meenu is the midfielder England has been longing for, the glue that can bind this team together, making them click not just for the remainder of this tournament but for years to come.”

The 19-year-old Manchester United star Meenu has featured in three matches at Euro 2024, starting once and coming off the bench twice. With a pass accuracy rate of 96%, he ranks among England’s most accurate passers.