SOUTHGATE’S WORLD CUP SPIES TAKE TO THE SKIES

ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate has given himself two major tests as part of the World Cup preparations.

The Three Lions tackle Holland this evening before entertaining Italy at Wembley on Tuesday night.

Two opponents with a glorious past but out in the international wilderness after failing to qualify for Russia.

But while Southgate weighs up everything from who will be his No.1 keeper to what formation – 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 – best suits his players, eyes will also be elsewhere.

No one can doubt that Belgium are favourites ahead of England to win World Cup Group G and Southgate will send spies to their friendly with Saudi Arabia in Brussels next Tuesday.

Belgium boss Roberto Martinez (top) is no stranger to English football and his internationals largely ply their trade in the Premier League.

When Martinez this week talked about potential burnout for England players, you begin to wonder what he can be talking about because his major stars are employed here too.

Chelsea duo Eden Hazard (inset) and Thibaut Courtois are two outstanding talents. Tottenham’s Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Mousa Dembele, and Manchester United’s Romelu Lukaku can also expect a heavy workload this summer.

Christian Benteke must force his way back in after a disappointing run of form at Crystal Palace.

But the game with the Saudis may merely underline how much quality Martinez has at their disposal.

England’s opening opponents Tunisia – 20-1 to top the group – face Iran tonight and Costa Rica on Tuesday.

Southgate’s men also tackle Costa Rica in June as part of their final World Cup warm-ups, so there may be an interesting gauge to be taken from this Tunisia friendly.

Panama, England’s second match, face Switzerland on Tuesday before playing Northern Ireland in May.

For England, this international break will be a valuable get-together – trying out Eric Dier in the middle of a back three, getting by without Harry Kane, choosing between Jordan Pickford and Jack Butland in goal.

But you can be sure the scouts will be busy as England know that failure to beat Tunisia and Panama this summer will be unforgivable.