Gareth keeping them guessing

GARETH SOUTHGATE has revealed that his goalkeepers are still in the dark about who is England’s No.1.

With just 16 days to go until the Three Lions’ first group game against Tunisia, Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland and Nick Pope don’t know who will get the nod to start.

Everton’s Pickford, 24, is expected to be the main man in Russia and is set to start today’s Wembley warm-up against Nigeria.

But Stoke’s Butland, 25, has five more caps than him, while Burnley’s international rookie Pope, 26, has yet to play for his country.

Asked why he wouldn’t reveal who his main man between the sticks is, Southgate said: “I haven’t had the conversation with the players yet and I think that is more important.”

England face Costa Rica at Leeds next Thursday and Southgate hinted all would become clear then.

“It will become apparent over the next five days,” he said.

“They are inexperienced in terms of senior international games, but Pickford and Butland have the perfect path in terms of junior international tournament experience and a lot of Premier League football.

“When I look at Manuel Neuer and David de Gea at the age they went in, our guys are in a similar sort of situation.

“You only get them that experience by giving them that opportunity.”