SOUTHGATE IN NO-RISK MOOD

GARETH SOUTHGATE is ready to begin his World Cup preparations in Lithuania – but will resist making wholesale changes. The England boss is considering giving a chance to Jack Butland, Michael Keane and Jesse Lingard. But he wants a strong line-up to extend the unbeaten qualifying record and is determined to finish the campaign with victory. Southgate was thinking about more changes for tomorrow’s match on artificial grass in Vilnius. It’s all about balance following a lacklustre win over Slovenia. He wants England to shows intensity but knows he needs to give some of his players big-game experience. Joe Hart (above) wants to play but Southgate must at some stage have a serious look at Butland and will either do so in Lithuania or during a high-profile warm-up friendly.

Out-of-form Alex OxladeChamberlain is struggling for confidence while Keane has impressed around the camp and could come in for Gary Cahill.

Harry Kane, who is chasing another cap and goals, has made it clear to Southgate that he is keen to tackle Lithuania. That may mean he starts as captain again while Jermain Defoe could get minutes from the bench.

England did not pick up any injuries during the Slovenia game but Southgate insisted he would not send any players back to their clubs and told the squad afterwards that he wanted to deliver a performance in Vilnius for the travelling fans.