"?Former Arsenal star Paul Merson has urged England manager Roy Hodgson to drop Tottenham's Dele Alli ahead of the Three Lions' crunch Euro 2016 clash with Wales and turn to Gunners midfielder Jack Wilshere instead.
"I wouldn't make too many changes [to the line-up] although Jack Wilshere didn't start against Russia so would bring him in," Merson said in a column for the Daily Star.
Wilshere replaced Wayne Rooney as a second half substitute in England's opening game, which ended in a 1-1 draw after a late Russian equaliser, and immediately got involved in a sharp passing move that almost produced a goal.
For Merson, Alli didn't really do enough in that game to keep his place. But, more importantly, he believes that the 20-year-old's strengths aren't right to break down a team like Wales, whereas Wilshere is a different type of player.
"Dele Alli had a quiet game and his game is all about making those runs from deep into space that just isn't there against teams that drop off and defend," the popular pundit went on to say.
"I'd play Wilshere. He has that little bit of guile about him to pick a pass and unlock a tight back four."
Picking players based on their specific attributes is what counts in games like this. Like most who watched England fail to get the better of Russia, Merson was unimpressed with Raheem Sterling, but insists the Manchester City winger needs to stay in the team.
"I thought he was terrible against Russia at the weekend and I'm not surprised people are questioning whether he should be in the team," Merson commented.
If I'm Roy Hodgson, this is the #ENG XI that I pick to face #WAL tomorrow. Unchanged. #FanVoice pic.twitter.com/ZbEw4R80qz
"But England will need him against Wales. He has to go at his full-back because his sheer pace will cause problems. He will get past his man enough times to make sure one ball is decent and that could be all you need. He could be difference."
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