Picking a No.1 is Southgate’s top priority
Tuesday marks 100 days until theworld Cup begins in Russia this summer.
All 32 countries will be busy with their preparations for the finals and will be getting ready for the last round of friendlies later this month before naming their squads in May.
England manager Gareth Southgate is no different and has spent the last few months travelling the length and breadth of the country watching players.
But while the goalscoring brilliance of Harry Kane offers reassurance at one end, there is huge confusion at the other.
Who is between the sticks when England take on Tunisia in their opening game on June 18 has become a massive talking point.
But the problem is that rather than being spoilt for choice, Southgate is suddenly scratching around.
The manager has always stated Joe Hart is his No.1, but Hart has not played a Premier League game since November 29.
That came in a 4-0 defeat at Everton and West Ham manager David Moyes believes his side has been better since Adrian replaced him.
Hart played in the FA Cup, but with the Hammers going out in the fourth round, his last football came in January.
Moyes has promised to change his goalkeeper, if and when West Ham’s league status is assured, but that might only be one or two games at most in May.
In those circumstances, it would be a big leap of faith for Southgate to stick with Hart, although he would welcome the match practice of the forthcoming friendlies with Holland and Italy.
Jack Butland should be the next cab off the rank, but he has been playing behind the worst defence in the Premier League at Stoke.
With Hart not playing, you expected Butland to really make up Southgate’s mind, but that has not happened.
Only last weekend, the goalkeeper made a terrible mistake which cost his team two vital points, and didn’t do much for the confidence of England fans.
Jordan Pickford probably stands to gain most, but he has never played a competitive game for his country.
The Everton goalie made his debut with an impressive performance in the 0-0 draw with Germany in November and is in line for another start this month.
But somehow throwing him into the World Cup starting line-up would feel like a big call on Southgate’s part.
Tom Heaton offers experience and had an excellent season last year at Burnley but he is only just coming back to fitness after six months out with a shoulder injury.
Of the 20 Premier League clubs, only five currently have an English first-choice. That is why injury and loss of form has distorted the picture.
So when Southgate sees the No.1s of Spain, Belgium and France shining for Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham, he must be very envious indeed.