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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
John Cross

Gareth Southgate provides Jadon Sancho fitness update ahead of Montenegro clash

Jadon Sancho will have a fitness test ahead of England’s Euro 2020 qualifier in Montenegro.

England boss Gareth Southgate revealed Sancho - who celebrates his 19th birthday on Monday - complained of muscle tightness after his full debut against Czech Republic.

Southgate is still hoping he makes it but he is unlikely to risk Dele Alli in a second game in four days after a lengthy hamstring injury which means Declan Rice could make his first start. Jordan Henderson reported up with an ankle problem but is expected to be fit.

Southgate said: “I could (pick the same team). There are a couple we need to check, Jordan being one, in the morning. I think I will make some changes. Freshness can improve the team.

Sancho faces a late fitness test (PA)

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“The difference in some of the positions is so close in terms of who you'd pick, a fresher player may bring us more. I don't want to make heaps of changes, so I want the right balance.

“A couple of checks on Dele, who's missed a lot of football with a hamstring, Henderson with the injury he arrived with, Sancho a bit tight after the game. Nothing of a huge concern, but we want to make sure we are right.”

Meanwhile, Southgate has hailed "underappreciated" Jordan Henderson's England career as the midfielder prepares to make his 50th appearance for his country.

Southgate gave updates about England players' fitness (Action Images via Reuters)

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"Firstly, only 59 players have achieved it, so it's a relatively small club and a great honour," Southgate, who is part of that number having amassed 57 caps, said when asked about Henderson making it to 50.

"That requires huge commitment to playing for England, first and foremost. And then, on a personal level, Jordan's qualities as a player - which I think have been underappreciated at times - he's such an important player for us and has been for the last couple of managers.

Dele Alli is unlikely to be risked for a second game in a row (PA)

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"Everybody values the fact that he has a winning mentality. Good players make other players play well.

"It's not just about your own performance, but the impact and effect you have on others. When you're a leader like he is, that is among his top qualities."

England probable XI: Pickford; Walker, Maguire, Keane, Chilwell; Rice, Henderson, Barkley; Sancho, Sterling, Kane.

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