There was a time when an English man (or lady, or other various gender which an individual may identify as), could look at their English National Team with pride. I fear based on Englands recent run of form, these days may be gone. But we do have a very simple and effective answer for Englands leaky defence. A 6'2 human plug by the name of Craig Dawson. 

The fact this man has been overlooked and not even considered for selection is a travesty. I talk of a man who at the time of writing, has established himself in a European trophy chasing West Ham side. Not only this, in the 4 games he has started, the club has amassed 4 wins, with 2 clean sheets and even a goal for Mr Dawson as a cherry on top. He was invaluable to us last season, putting in performance after performance, all whilst being injured. The pride, hunger and determination this man shows every time he steps on a football field is second to none. He currently commutes half the length of the country, to play for a club he has already expressed an interest in leaving to live closer to his family and puts in performance after performance. IMAGINE THE PASSION THIS MAN WOULD SHOW WHILST WEARING THE THREE LIONS OF OUR BEAUTIFUL ISLAND NATION. 

The man is a menace from set plays. Having scored 52 career goals in 443 appearances, averaging 1 goal every 8.5 games. Whilst I appreciate a tournament resulting in victory will only last 7 games, I'll certainly take those odds. It may be a stooper vs Slovenia or a bullet vs Brazil, who knows, but this man will find the net. 

I implore you Mr Southgate, I beg you, as a humble englishman who wants us to go all the way this time. Please consider Craig. Ditch the usual out of form players from the bigger clubs and look to Craig. The man's career alone deserves a callup and at 32 years of age (as much as the man is a fine wine of a centre back), this could be his last chance to cap a stellar career with international silverware. Picture the scenes in 2023 when a new statue has been erected outside Wembley of our world Cup hero Craig Dawson righting the wrongs of the past 56 years of hurt. 

Please Gareth we beg you. In Craigy we trust.