Scotland last night voted no to independence after a long few months of ifs, whats and maybes. We here at FFC Towers are glad that our friends north of the border will be staying put, and we’ve decided to celebrate by naming a British XI to applaud the union of the nations.
As well as the English and Scottish, we’ve got the ever-improving Welsh in on the act too, to create a side that would certainly book a spot at EURO 2016.
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CLICK ON DANIEL STURRIDGE TO REVEAL THE XI
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Manager: Sir Alex Ferguson
There’s only one choice when it comes to a gaffer for this little lot. Sir Alex is, arguably, the greatest manager of all time following his stunning time at Manchester United, and his driven personality and uncompromising style could whip any set of players into shape. As his assistant we’ll have Ryan Giggs.
Fraser Forster
Even though Joe Hart is perhaps one of the best around, we’ve plumped to start Forster in or XI thanks to the former’s tendency for errors. The now Southampton ace carved out his reputation in Scotland with Celtic and now looks set to challenge for England’s No 1 jersey over the coming years. Commanding, strong and an excellent shot stopper, Forster is our man.
Glen Johnson
A worrying lack of options at right back sees Glen Johnson get the nod. The Liverpool man may be a much-maligned figure for his dip in form, but with bags of big game and tournament know-how, we’re sure he can function in this XI effectively.
Gary Cahill (C)
At the back we have Chelsea stalwart and captain of this ragtag bunch, Cahill. The tough-tackling Englishman looks set to take over from John Terry and club level and is certainly beginning to show the heroic playing style of his senior team-mate in the white shirt for England. There aren’t many better centre-backs in Britain right now.
Ashley Williams
Alongside Cahill we’ll have Williams. The Welshman captains his national side and has proven himself to be a star performer in the Premier League with Swansea – attracting big club attention along the way. He may not have the level of pace he possessed a few years ago, but his experience and strength are key attributes.
Leighton Baines
The standout left-back in Britain is undoubtedly Baines. The Everton man is great going forward, solid defensively and can whip in a mean ball from set-pieces. His attacking intent would bless any side, so he virtually picked himself here.
Darren Fletcher
The Scot will anchor our midfield. Fletcher may have had a torrid few years, but his fitness is creeping back and we think his ability to clean up in front of the backline will be a great asset. Fletcher has bags of big game experience from his time with Manchester United, making him a key cog in this XI.
Aaron Ramsey
The Welshman has really developed into one of Britain’s top midfielders over the course of the past few years. A horror injury threatened his career at a young age, but ‘Rambo’ has bounced back and built on the potential he showed in his early years at Cardiff. The Arsenal ace was a sure fire choice for this side.
Raheem Sterling
The most advance of our midfield three is young Sterling. The 19-year-old is, arguably, the best teenager in European football and has thrived in the ‘No 10’ role since being moved in from the wing by Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool. His pace and great strength – well, for a small-framed player – are very impressive.
Gareth Bale
The world’s most expensive player takes up the role on our right flank. Bale is now a star turn at Real Madrid and has really pushed on since leaving Spurs – which is some feat seeing as he was voted the best player in the Premier League while at White Hart Lane. The flying Welshman looks set to be the talisman of this team.
Steven Naismith
He may not be the most fashionable player, but Naismith brings real nuisance value. The Everton man has kicked on massively in recent months, settling in well since moving to the Premier League, with his industry and eye for goal big plusses.
Daniel Sturridge
Controversially we’ve axed Wayne Rooney as we go for a pacey approach (Wazza has been poor at international level for a while) with Sturridge our man. The prolific goal-getter knows where the goal is and has shown that his form at club level translates to the international game.
Bench
Joe Hart – Not a bad back-up ‘keeper.
Phil Jagielka – A decent stand in for Williams or Cahill.
Alan Hutton – Tough and uncompromising. Useful for a late defensive display
Jordan Henderson – Bags of energy and a sprinkling quality.
Shaun Maloney – Creative and experienced, could be useful off of the bench.
Wayne Rooney – Well, he has to be on the bench.
Steven Fletcher – Guarantees goals.
Scotland stays! Man United & Liverpool stars make UK XI.
