For the opening fixture with Tunisia, Southgate preferred Manchester United’s Ashley Young in the left wing-back slot ahead of Tottenham’s Danny Rose – the likely explanations being some questions over Rose’s fitness and a feeling that Young could provide a better attacking option.
After Monday’s game though, it might make sense to go the other way and start with the Spurs man against Panama. Young didn’t have a bad game per say – his corner set up England’s opener and he also provided some excellent balls into the box, but as a natural right-footer, having to cut back in order to fire a cross means England’s attacking play is often slowed down.
Rose, on the other hand, is a natural left-footer with no problems finding a cross with his left boot, and he’s also become accustomed to finding Harry Kane and Dele Alli in particular after spending the last few seasons playing alongside them for Tottenham. Young’s tournament probably isn’t finished, but it just makes sense to me to give England a more natural option on the left, and that has to be Rose.