MARTIN KEOWN ON THE KEY POSITIONS UP FOR GRABS

CENTRAL MIDFIELD

GARETH SOUTHGATE faces a big conundrum over who to pick as his deep-lying midfielder. He will have to weigh up the attributes he wants in his side. If he wants a defensive king-pin, Eric Dier is the better option. He can also offer plenty of options in the opposition box and already has three England goals to his name. While Jordan Henderson (above) is yet to score for England, he brings more energy and is better getting forward. Having reached the European Cup final with Liverpool, you could argue, he deserves to start.

LEFT WING-BACK

WHILE Ashley Young did not do too badly against Nigeria, his inclusion at left wing-back meant England did not have a naturally left-footed player on the pitch. Manchester United’s Young is a good crosser of the ball, but he kept checking back on to his right to put in a delivery. Danny Rose would give the side greater balance and the ability to get to the byline and cross it. If Southgate is concerned about Rose’s lack of game-time, he could equally try Manchester City titlewinner Fabian Delph — another leftfooter — in that position.

CENTRE BACK

IF any of Southgate’s centre halves are under threat it is John Stones. He has started just four times in the last four months for Manchester City — but each of the last seven England games. At the moment Southgate is Stones’ only source of guaranteed football. But he needs to start repaying the faith he has been showed or risk losing his place to Harry Maguire.