THEY’RE COMING HOME!
Southgate urges fans to give the World Cup stars a heroes’ welcome on Wembley return
GARETH SOUTHGATE wants to give his World Cup heroes a glorious homecoming at Wembley.
The England boss is preparing to name as many of the players who starred in the semi-final against Croatia as possible in his starting line-up against Spain, in the Nations League tomorrow.
And skipper Harry Kane is set to receive the Golden Boot shortly before kick-off, for finishing as top
scorer in Russia. Wembley is heading towards an 80,000-plus sell-out for the Three Lions’ first game since the summer.
Southgate has assured his younger players that, even if they do not play against Spain, they are still a major part of his long-term plans and that he sees them as England’s future.
Raheem Sterling will miss out because of a back injury, but that could see Dele Alli push further forward, with Fabian Delph coming into midfield.
But there are unlikely to be many other changes, as Southgate (above) has told the players he wants to reward their performances with loyalty, and what is likely to be a great reception from the fans
He is likely to make changes for the friendly with Switzerland at Leicester next Tuesday, when younger stars – such as Joe Gomez and Trent Alexander Arnold – may be given a chance to shine.