Cresswell provides an option for Southgate as West Ham continue hunt for European football

After James Justin’s recent ACL injury ruled the impressive Leicester full-back out of contention for Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 squad, England’s selections at left-back remain unpredictable.

Ben Chilwell’s injury-hit season at Chelsea is unlikely to deter Southgate from selecting the 24-year-old, although new Blues boss Thomas Tuchel has preferred Marcos Alonso in the wing-back role since his arrival in late January.

Luke Shaw’s impressive performances at Manchester United could earn him a place, whilst Ryan Bertrand remains a consistent performer at Southampton.

Bukayo Saka’s versatility could prove crucial in his selection for the squad, with the Arsenal youngster playing the left wing-back role for his nation most recently against Iceland in the Nations League in November.

In West Ham’s Aaron Cresswell, Southgate could select another versatile player. In a similar role to one that Kyle Walker performed at the World Cup in 2018, the 31-year-old has been deployed at both outside centre-back and full-back for the Hammers this season.

Early on against Sheffield United, one of Cresswell’s biggest strengths was exhibited when clipping a ball over the top of the Blades’ defence for Manuel Lanzini to chase. With the ever-industrious Michail Antonio failing a fitness test to be selected, Cresswell’s usual target was nowhere to be seen but his ball-playing abilities should favour Southgate’s patient approach to possession.

Should England persevere with the 3-4-3 formation utilised during their Nations League campaign, the distribution from centre-backs will continue to be crucial to Southgate’s plans. Wolves’ Conor Coady has already been a beneficiary from the change in shape, with the 27-year-old’s passing range providing a reliable option for recycling possession and progressing attacks.

As Harry Kane drops deep, the ability to find an attacking player in the space behind the backline could prove a useful weapon for England come June.

The Liverpool-born defender appeared to shape over a free-kick on four minutes but left the ball to England international Declan Rice, a penalty given for a foul on Craig Dawson from the rebound eventually chalked off after a typically lengthy VAR check.

Having played in a back four or five, the tactical familiarity that the former Ipswich man already possesses should also appeal to Southgate when selecting his squad for this summer’s delayed tournament.

Perhaps the most obvious attribute that Cresswell provides to a team is his delivery from set-pieces. England benefitted from Kieran Trippier’s deliveries on numerous occasions in Russia, including the free-kick in the semi-final against Croatia, but his FA ban for betting offences rules him out of Southgate’s plans.

Multiple opportunities were created as a result of the defender’s delivery on Monday evening, with Dawson’s header from an inswinging corner one of the Hammers’ best chances in the opening stages at the London Stadium.

West Ham have scored the most goals from such situations in this impressive season, with Cresswell’s delivery into the threats of Tomas Soucek, Dawson and Angelo Ogbonna providing a valuable asset.

Sheffield United were the architects of their own downfall against David Moyes’ men and fell behind late in the first period. After conceding the ball deep in their own half, a break was on for West Ham consisting of Jesse Lingard, Manuel Lanzini and Jarrod Bowen. The former Hull winger Bowen fed the ball into the path of Lingard infront of goal, before the onrushing Chris Basham wiped out the Manchester United loanee to prompt referee Simon Hooper to award a penalty.

Taking the first spot kick of the West Ham’s season, Rice stepped up, after some debate with Lingard, and confidently finished into the bottom corner to ensure the home side claimed the lead at half-time.

With Cresswell positioned in the left centre-back role on Monday night, young Ben Johnson occupied his usual role as the full-back. The former Tranmere youngster could be seen, but not quite heard from my lofty position at the London Stadium, pointing Johnson into the correct areas throughout the 90 minutes.

On 57 minutes, Cresswell’s delivery paid dividend again for the Hammers. An outswinging corner found the head of Issa Diop, who had the simplest of tasks to steer the ball into the net and double their advantage. It was another example of the Englishman’s effective left-footed deliveries as West Ham extended their lead as the Premier League team with the most goals scored from set-pieces (13).

Despite the strengths of the defender, there are faults, perhaps owing to why he’s failed to add to his three England caps earned in 2016 and 2017. His aerial ability can limit his effectiveness when pinned by a striker as displayed at times against Sheffield United’s David McGoldrick.

The Blades’ Irish striker had multiple chances in the game with one of the finest coming when rising for a header initially missed by Cresswell in the area. Ultimately, as it proved all evening for the visitors, McGoldrick failed to convert but the defensive mistake could have been fatal against a more potent opponent.

It’s often recognised that playing in a poor team will subsequently reduce your chances of a call-up to the national side. West Ham’s struggles in recent seasons are likely to have contributed to Cresswell’s absence from the England set-up. With the Hammers currently fifth after securing a 3-0 win against Sheffield United, Ryan Fredericks adding a late third, the recognition of their success should also be appreciated.

Cresswell’s six assists have been key to Moyes’ triumphs this campaign and his talents could be of use to Gareth Southgate. After all, despite the long gap between his last international appearance, it was Southgate who granted those caps to the defender.

His club manager believes he can still have an impact on the international stage, with David Moyes tipping the defender to be in with a chance of making the squad when asked on the topic earlier this month. Asked after the win over the Blades about Cresswell’s improvement this season, the former Manchester United and Everton manager cited his ability from dead-ball scenarios.

“When he plays as a left-sided centre-back in a three his assist numbers go up much more. We gave him a lot of stick last season so to see his improvement and quality and his deliveries have been very good from set-pieces is good to see.

“Overall he has played very well for us, he has had a couple of games when he has been up and down but overall he has been very, very good.”

With the abundance of right-back options to choose from, England’s list of candidates at left-back is not as lengthy. Cresswell’s impressive performances are correctly drawing praise from his manager and should be catching the attention of the Southgate too.

As this long season continues, so will the injuries. As Chilwell, Saka and Shaw all seemingly head the queue for a spot in the squad, Cresswell may hope fate falls in his favour to gain a selection. Should his and West Ham’s form continue at its current rate and they earn a European spot however, the 31-year-old will be waiting in the wings ready to take his chance.

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