Sunday 4 September 2016 15:20, UK
Jamie Carragher believes Sam Allardyce has made the right decision to bring Jordan Henderson, John Stones and Adam Lallana into his England starting XI.
The new Three Lions boss has made three changes to the team that lost 2-1 to Iceland at Euro 2016 as he prepares for his first match against Slovakia on Sunday.
Chris Smalling, Daniel Sturridge and Dele Alli are the ones to make way for Henderson, Stones and Lallana, and Carragher believes all three deserve their place for England's opening 2018 World Cup qualification match.
"Sam Allardyce is going to make changes and I think after the result against Iceland, you expected changes," Carragher told Sky Sports News HQ.
"A new manager coming in has different ideas and sees players differently.
"I thought Adam Lallana did really well in the summer and was unfortunate not to play in the Iceland game. Jordan came in for one game and did very well too, and with my Liverpool hat on, I hope they do well."
Henderson is set to partner Tottenham's Eric Dier in midfield, but Carragher does not believe it represents a defensive selection.
"It's an away game and I'm sure Allardyce is going into it treating it like an away game in the Premier League," Carragher continued.
"It doesn't have to be won in the first 15 or 20 minutes, and maybe they are looking to play on the break as well.
"It could turn out to be a good partnership between Jordan and Eric. I thought Dier was the outstanding player for England at Euro 2016, so he was always going to play, and Jordan has great experience in there internationally now. It's up to them to show Sam is right."
Allardyce has also opted to bring in Stones, who has started the season in fine form under new Man City head coach Pep Guardiola.
Stones will play alongside Gary Cahill in defence, and Carragher says the former Everton centre-back has earned his place.
"Yes, I am pleased," Carragher added. "Other players have played and he never had one minute in the summer.
"Considering the start to the season he's made, I think Sam has to build through him from the back."
England team to face Slovakia (4-2-3-1): Hart; Walker, Cahill, Stones, Rose; Dier, Henderson; Lallana, Rooney, Sterling; Kane.
Carragher was speaking at the EE Wembley Cup after being named an Xbox FIFA Ultimate Team Legend, ahead of the launch of the game on September 29.
