Southgate set to drop one ‘pivot’ for first two Cup ties

GARETH SOUTHGATE expects England will only play with one holding midfielder in their opening World Cup games against Tunisia and Panama, meaning one of Eric Dier or Jordan Henderson could miss out on a starting place.

Southgate deployed the pair alongside each other towards the end of the qualifying campaign but doubts have been raised as to whether two conservative midfielders will be necessary in Russia, especially for games in which England are favourites.

The England manager stressed that the versatility of Dier and Henderson mean neither have just one route into his side and he believes that whatever his decision, both will be “important figures” at the tournament.

Southgate did, however, admit that he is likely to play just one ‘pivot’ initially in an attempt to field more attack-minded players against Group G’s lower seeds.

“We have to look at that,” he said yesterday to preview England’s final warm-up game against Costa Rica tonight.

“I think we will only want to play with one pivot. Henderson can play as a No 8, so that gives you an option. Dier can play as a centreback. So they both have another way into the team.”

Henderson has rarely been deployed as a ‘No 8’ – a roaming box-to-box midfielder – under Southgate, nor has Dier played at centre-back, but Southgate is not against the idea of trying either.

“No (they haven’t played in those positions under me), because most of Henderson’s games we played with a team and played them together but that’s not an unrealistic possibility for Henderson to play as a No 8.

“He played a lot more advanced for most of his career. I am not sure Liverpool had many options as a pivot so he ended up doing that role.”

Southgate added: “It is a key decision, but that’s management isn’t it? You either select players, or you choose your system and pick the best people to fit into it. They’re the tough calls.

“I’d be amazed if the two of them aren’t important figures during the tournament for us, but there is clearly the possibility they might not both play in every match.”

Henderson and Dier are two of five players who form part of a ‘leadership group’ within Southgate’s squad.

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Both captained England during the recent March internationals and they join Fabian Delph and Ashley Young alongside full-time skipper Harry Kane in the quintet.

Southgate revealed the identity of this group for the first time yesterday, but after rotating the armband during qualifying, he believes a culture of leadership has spread throughout the squad and will aid England’s chances in Russia.

“There are some other big characters in there,” he said.

“Some you hear their voices louder than others. There is a natural (hierarchy).

“When you name Harry captain, he’s already viewed in one way by the players, but he’s viewed slightly differently. But they all get on. They interact.” (© Independent News Service)

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