BIG MATCH ANALYSIS

DEBUTANTS MUST REMEMBER THEIR JOBS

I MADE my England debut in a 2-0 win over France at Wembley in February 1992, and I wasn’t the only one. Other debutants included Rob Jones, who was 20, and Alan Shearer, who was 21. I was 25! Tonight, we could see Mason Mount (20), James Maddison (22) and Tyrone Mings (26) handed their first caps too. It is a great process. The rumours that you’re on the radar, the reports in the media, the confirmation with the letter in the post. Mount, Maddison and Mings must enjoy the occasion, but also realise they are there to do a job. Don’t be overcome with emotion. I think it’s a good thing that they could be getting their debuts in a proper game rather than a friendly. This is no testimonial or trial. You have to play your part.

CENTRAL DEFENCE CAN STILL STAKE CLAIM

GARETH SOUTHGATE has had the opportunity to work with some outstanding central defenders as England manager. We’ve seen Harry Maguire, Joe Gomez, Michael Keane (right), John Stones, Lewis Dunk, James Tarkowski and more used in that position. There’s a lot of competition and that is a door Southgate has kept open. It is up to those on the pitch against Bulgaria and Kosovo to try to shut it. Maguire has a presence about him. He is a man mountain. While Liverpool’s Joe Gomez is more mobile, Michael Keane looks set to start alongside Maguire instead. The hosts should have too much, so let’s see who takes the opportunity to impress. PREDICTION: ENGLAND3BULGARIA0