England axe to fall on Young
BUT SHAW SET FOR SOUTHGATE CALL
ASHlEY YOUNG is set to be a shock omission from Gareth Southgate’s England squad today, opening the door for luke Shaw to return.
Manchester United defender Young was England’s first-choice left wing-back during the World Cup but will miss the games against Spain on Saturday week and Switzerland three days later.
Shaw is the favourite to replace his club team-mate, though Ben Chilwell of leicester is highly-rated by Southgate. Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand could also be in contention having just missed out on a place in the squad for Russia.
A recall for Shaw, though, would mark quite a turnaround in fortunes for the United defender, who looked to be on his way out of Old Trafford last season.
The left back has been a rare bright spot for United during the club’s difficult start to the season, and is being considered by Southgate.
Sportsmail understands Young has held talks with Southgate about his international future, during which the England manager emphasised his plan to introduce a number of youngsters into his squad.
Young will turn 35 during Euro 2020, which casts doubt over his place in Southgate’s long- term plans. The former Aston Villa man accepts Southgate’s desire to refresh his squad with youth but will remain available for selection in the event of any injury crisis.
Jamie Vardy and Gary Cahill announced their decisions to take a step back from international football on Tuesday, but will also make themselves available in an emergency.
Sportsmail can also reveal Watford midfielder Will Hughes is in contention due to his performances so far this season. The FA have requested fitness reports on Hughes and team- mate Nathaniel Chalobah.
Teenagers Jadon Sancho of Borussia Dortmund and Phil Foden of Manchester City are also pushing for call-ups, as is Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson.
It was thought Phil Jones’s injury could open the door to Declan Rice after it was revealed that the West Ham defender, who has Ireland caps, had been approached by the FA. However, it is unlikely because of the time it takes to finalise paperwork.
Stoke goalkeeper Jack Butland will be sweating on his role as No 2 as he is now playing in the Championship.
Indeed, Fulham defender Alfie Mawson, who broke into Southgate’s plans last season, has said the England boss advised him to leave Swansea following their relegation.
Mawson said: ‘The last time I spoke to him he said if you want to get back in, the Premier league is a must.’
The injury to Burnley’s Nick Pope means Southgate will be forced to make at least one change to the goalkeepers he took to Russia. Pope’s club team-mates Tom Heaton and Joe Hart are hoping for recalls while Southampton’s Alex McCarthy is a possibility.