Dier in line for quick return after suspension ends
Gareth Southgate will make some changes for England’s crunch World Cup qualifier against Slovakia, with Eric Dier in line to return after suspension.
Fresh from Friday’s flattering 4-0 win in Malta, the Three Lions can move five points clear at the top of Group F and virtually secure their place in Russia next summer.
Jordan Henderson will again captain the side in tonight’s encounter at Wembley, where goalkeeper Joe Hart, under so much scrutiny of late, centre-back Phil Jones and frontman Harry Kane will retain their starting roles.
Dier missed the Malta clash through suspension but is back available for Southgate, who appears likely to bring the trusted defensive midfielder into the side.
“We will make some changes but the core of the team is pretty much established and I don’t think that would surprise too many people, really,” the England boss said.
“Joe will stay as the goalkeeper and Eric is obviously an option we have.
“He’s played in most of the games for us and he’s playing well with his club, so, yeah, that’s a possible change for us.”
Jesse Lingard and Harry Maguire will be hoping to be part of the matchday squad having missed out on the 23 in Malta, while those brought off the bench there are pushing for a start.
Danny Welbeck scored on his first appearance since last March and fellow substitute Jamie Vardy caused the odd problem for a Maltese defence that struggled to cope with Marcus Rashford.
The 19-year-old produced an assist during a decent second-half display.