Trueman would correctly be replaced by John Snow who was a better pace bowler upon my research. But personally when constructing All Times of a nation, i give importance to more than skill value being brought in the team. Johnson may be more skilled but no Zimbawean will want him to reperesnt their colors in all time because how he left Zim for money. Azharuddin may be in contention for a spot, but no Indian would want him to represent their colours either.
snow similarly, had disciplinary issues and never took his cricket seriously to ECB and Sussex’s dismay. Hence why english media doesnt acknowledge him much despite being quality. And why a true old english fan who watched his career wouldnt want him in the grand colors.
this is where i nominate Flintoff over Snow/Trueman, he is an effective bowler (not as much as them ofc) but his batting makes up a lot more value as cricketer than them. And like i talked abt above, who the nations’ people would want to represent them, Flintoff’s aura fulfills it. His presence lifted the fans and teammates up. He played in perhaps the weakest english side, with not much support with ball as every peer english bowler was roaming with 30+ averages in both formats, barring gough in ODIs.
Further looking into it, Flintoff was England’s leading wicket taker combined formats during his era and by a fair margin, which shows his career saw him as a first/second choice bowler. Personally to me his playstyle indicated me him as a brilliant third/fourth option instead. With adequate support from genuine atg bowlers in Englands lineup where he’s not the main bowler, he will strengthen England in skill more than Trueman/Snow who’s issues ive already regarded.
to me Flintoff’s name being regarded so highly in english cricket, theres a reason more than face value stats to it and seeing English bowlers not being too notable in this area, England can indeed pitch in Stokes - Botham - Flintoff without drawbacks, until a genuinely elite pacer arrives.