North v South: Which England starting XI would win based on where they were born?

While England’s team has seen the introduction of many young talents, it is quite likely that some of the same names will stick around the Three Lions camp for years to come.

The likes of Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Declan Rice have been - and will continue to be - staples in this rather exciting England team, while others come and go.

But what if there were two England squads - based on whether you are born in the north or the south? Who would win? We will let you decide...

North XI

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford

Born in Sunderland, Pickford is already England’s first choice goalkeeper and was spectacular for them in both the 2018 World Cup and the 2020 Euros.

The 27-year-old endured a tricky patch for Everton last season but has improved and is enjoying a positive season with the Toffees.

Defence: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Aaron Cresswell

Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool) has been out of favour in the England team with fellow Northerner Kyle Walker (Sheffield) often taking his spot, however the defender is one of the best full-backs in the world and his England journey could have been very different if he didn’t have to pull out of the Euros with an injury.

Yorkshiremen Maguire (Sheffield) and Stones (Barnsley) have become Southgate’s first choice centre-back partnership after the latter forced his way back into the squad thanks to a successful 2020/21 campaign with Manchester City.

Meanwhile, Cresswell (Liverpool) has only three international caps to his name and has struggled to leapfrog Luke Shaw or Ben Chilwell in the pecking order. However, the 31-year-old had a superb season for West Ham last time out and has also enjoyed a successful start to the current campaign.

Midfield: Kalvin Phillips, Jordan Henderson, Phil Foden

Kalvin Phillips (Leeds) was brought into the England starting XI for the Euros and was one of the Three Lions best players as himself and Declan Rice formed a rock solid partnership in the middle.

Henderson (Sunderland) hasn’t seen as much game time due to long-term injury last season, but the Liverpool captain has been a consistent part of Southgate’s squad and is reliable as ever.

Meanwhile, Phil Foden (Stockport) is one of England’s brightest young prospects and will likely be in the starting XI for years to come. If he continues developing the way he has been, he will easily be one of the first names on the Three Lions’ teamsheet.

Attack: Mason Greenwood, Jack Grealish, Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Mason Greenwood (Bradford) is another English rising star that is set for an exciting international future. The 20-year-old has enjoyed a stellar start to the season, scoring three goals in nine Premier League appearances.

Jack Grealish (Birmingham) earned himself a big money move to Manchester City in the summer and has enjoyed some brilliant performances in an England shirt. Of course, there is the ongoing discussion of whether Birmingham is in the north or the south, but as a Northerner myself I will happily allow it.

Calvert-Lewin (Sheffield) has been out injured in recent weeks but began his season with three goals in three Premier League appearances. Jamie Vardy - also born in Sheffield - may have started ahead of him if he hadn’t of stepped down from international football in 2018.

South XI

Goalkeeper: Nick Pope

Despite spending a lot of his career in the north, Nick Pope was born in Cambridgeshire.

The 29-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant spell with Burnley since his breakthrough and has since made seven appearances for England.

Defence: Reece James, Ezri Konsa, Lewis Dunk, Luke Shaw

Reece James (Redbridge) has enjoyed a highly successful career with Chelsea since his loan spell with Wigan Athletic in 2018-19 and has since featured in the 2020 Euros and the World Cup Qualifiers for England.

Ezri Konsa (Newham) is yet to make his international debut but has been brilliant for Aston Villa as of late and many have called for him his call-up. Meanwhile, Lewis Dunk (Brighton) has one appearance to his name but has been rock solid at the back for the Seagulls.

Luke Shaw (Kingston upon Thames) is currently England’s first choice left-back after forcing his way back into the frame after a superb 2020/21 season with Manchester United.

Midfield: Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse, Mason Mount

Declan Rice (Kingston upon Thames) was one of the first names on the teamsheet during England’s impressive Euro 2020 tournament and is unlikely to be dislodged anytime soon.

Ward-Prowse (Portsmouth) narrowly missed out on a place in the Euro squad but has since featured in the World Cup Qualifier and there are calls for a regular spot in the team for him because of his superb free-kicks and deliveries into the box.

Mason Mount (Portsmouth) has endured a tricky start to the Premier League season, however the Chelsea midfielder is a favourite of Southgate and when at his best can be unstoppable for both club and country.

Attack: Jadon Sancho, Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane

Jadon Sancho (Camberwell) has struggled since arriving at Manchester United in the summer, but the winger was brilliant during his time with Borussia Dortmund and recently shone for England during their victory over Andorra in the World Cup qualifiers.

Bukayo Saka (Ealing) is another with a bright future ahead of him in an England shirt and has already shown his quality during the Euros and the Andorra clash.

Harry Kane (Walthamstow) is a permanent fixture in the current England squad, despite his poor start to the season.

The striker is one of the best the Premier League has ever seen and is irreplacable when in form.