FA FEAR NIGERIA PLAYER RAID

THE FA are concerned Nigeria are trying to poach a number of their young stars as they look to wrap up World Cup qualification. Tammy Abraham was rumoured to have chosen to switch allegiances to Nigeria, which the Chelsea striker denied. However, Abraham, who is on loan at Swansea, remains a player Nigeria want in their squad to go to Russia — as are Everton’s Ademola Lookman and Liverpool’s Sheyi Ojo. So far, all those players have committed to England but U21 manager Aidy Boothroyd, whose side face Scotland in a Euro 2019 qualifier tonight, has said he can’t guarantee starting spots. Boothroyd said: ‘Nigeria are trying to get as many players as they can. It’s hard because I can’t guarantee they are going to play, as the group is so good. The last time England faced Scotland at this level, in 2013, Roy Hodgson was caretaker and England won 6-0. But Boothroyd is expecting this to be a closer encounter. ‘It’s not a six-pointer but it is one of those you are desperate to win,’ he said. ‘I know how important it is for them to beat the English.’ ENGLAND (probable, 4-2-3-1): Gunn; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Fry, WalkerPeters; Cook, Davies; Lookman, Solanke, Gray; Abraham.