GARETH IS READY TO RING THE CHANGES

ENGLAND manager Gareth Southgate will make changes for the final friendly before he names his World Cup squad for Russia. Southgate will use tonight’s friendly against Italy to give more of his players a chance to impress. ‘We’ll make some changes — it’s important we see some of these guys in the games,’ said Southgate. ‘We have to look beyond the summer — try to build on what we’ve done in the last few games.’ Jack Butland will start in goal at Wembley, replacing Jordan Pickford, who kept a clean sheet in Friday’s win over Holland. Southgate also wants Adam Lallana, who did not train fully last week, to play a part against the Italians. Eric Dier, Ashley Young and Jamie Vardy are also expected to be drafted into the starting XI. Dier is expected to start in the centre of midfield, though Southgate could move him into the back three later on. ‘I don’t think we will start him at centre back,’ said Southgate yesterday. ‘It’s less of an option that we need to look at because Eric has played there for his club.’ Dele Alli is also pushing for a recall after starting on the bench in Amsterdam, and Lewis Cook will hope for an England debut at some point tonight. Fitness concerns over Harry Maguire, and Joe Gomez’s withdrawal with an ankle injury, may give Alfie Mawson or James Tarkowski a chance to make their international debuts. Southgate is set to continue using Manchester City right back Kyle Walker in the unfamiliar central defensive role that he filled against the Dutch. ‘There is a benefit. Kyle has all the qualities to play there,’ said Southgate. ‘If you are playing on the side of a three (he has) the ability to defend in wide areas and use the ball comfortably. ‘And his athleticism — not only to defend big spaces and cover the rest of the defence — means he also has the ability to drive out.’