How Yorkshire footballers are at the heart of England's World Cup 2018 campaign

THEY used to say that if a manager required a sturdy defender worth his salt, all he had to do was whistle down a Yorkshire mine shaft and one would arrive in the next cage.
By The Newsroom
Published 28th Jun 2018, 17:43 BST
Updated 4th Jul 2018, 18:24 BST
John StonesJohn Stones
John Stones

The pit winders may have sadly gone, but the Broad Acres still possesses a reservoir of international-class defensive talent at the nation’s behest.

Barnsley’s John Stones and Sheffield’s Harry Maguire, who both hail from the once celebrated region of coal in South Yorkshire, stepped out from the off in God’s County at this World Cup, alongside Steel City native Kyle Walker.

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Gary Cahill also hails from Sheffield, while John Stones has more tournament goals than Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi so far, having netted twice in England's 6-1 demolition of Panama.

Further forward, Bradford-born Fabian Delph played a part as a sub against Panama, while another Sheffielder in Jamie Vardy is set to start against Belgium.

Doncastrian Danny Rose in the squad means that England could start almost a full Yorkshire first XI.

In the event, the two lads at the back in Maguire and Stones have not been overly extended by the Tunisia and Panama so far, but the sight of their pleasing-on-the-eye customary comfort in possession was a reassuring constant.

It's coming home, lads - right back to Yorkshire.

How England could have to draw lots after the Belgium game

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England may have to draw lots against Belgium to decide who goes through to the World Cup Round of 16 as the group winner.

Because England and Belgium are level on points, goal difference and on goals scored in Group G, it may come down to drawing lots to decide who will top the group.

Related topics:EnglandJohn StonesYorkshireBelgiumLionel MessiSheffield