Declan Rice and Callum Hudson-Odoi are set to make their first England starts as injuries force manager Gareth Southgate into a late reshuffle ahead of tonight’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Montenegro.
Jordan Henderson, Jadon Sancho and Dele Alli were this morning having fitness tests.
Standard Sport understands Henderson was confident of being available despite an ankle problem but Alli’s hamstring issue is a more significant concern and with Eric Dier already back at Tottenham due to a hip injury, West Ham’s Rice was set to be drafted into central midfield.
Southgate revealed Sancho was “a bit tight” after Friday’s 5-0 win over the Czech Republic and Hudson-Odoi, who is yet to start a Premier League game for Chelsea, is on standby to replace the Borussia Dortmund winger.
Both Rice and Hudson-Odoi made their senior debuts on Friday but such is Southgate’s willingness to trust youth, he has no qualms about throwing the inexperienced pair into what is likely to be a hostile atmosphere.
England have been given a ticket allocation of just 690 but £10 tickets in the home sections of Gradski Stadion were being sold by touts for £40 in the past couple of days.
Southgate said: “We’ve done the best to make sure our official tickets go to England Travel Supporters members and we always encourage people to get the tickets through official channels.”
Montenegro team to face England (4-2-3-1): Petkovic, Marusic, Simic, Savic, Tomasevic, Ivanic, Vukcevic, Jankovic, Mugosa, Vesovic, Beciraj
England team to face Montenegro (4-3-3): Pickford, Trippier, Keane, Maguire, Rose, Henderson, Rice, Barkley, Hudson-Odoi, Kane, Sterling
Three key issues for Gareth Southgate and his side
Maguire put to the test
Gareth Southgate has identified Montenegro’s long-ball and counter-attacking prowess which is likely to test Harry Maguire’s ability to defend these specific threats.
Burnley and Czech Republic striker Matej Vydra claimed in the build-up to Friday’s game that “in some moments it seems he doesn’t know what’s happening behind him”.
Maguire answered that question at Wembley with a clean sheet but another challenge awaits.
Rising value of Sterling
Raheem Sterling is now part of Southgate’s leadership group, a select band of five players chosen to share responsibilities around the team.
Sterling proved he remains in sparkling form with a hat-trick against the Czech Republic and the 24-year-old’s influence has grown considerably during the World Cup. He will be asked to help guide England’s youngsters through a difficult atmosphere.
Henderson’s half-century
Jordan Henderson is a slight injury doubt with the ankle problem he reported for England duty with but should he play some part, the Liverpool midfielder will earn his 50th cap.
Southgate claimed Henderson’s contribution to his country was underappreciated and he could be a central figure here with Eric Dier injured and Declan Rice lacking international experience.
