MIND YOUR LANGUAGE!
Southgate fears his players will turn air blue in empty stadium
GARETH SOUTHGATE has warned TV companies to expect a night of bad language when England face Croatia in front of an empty stadium tonight.
Sportsmail understands manager Southgate advised his players to be aware of any profanities they use in tonight’s clash here in Rijeka at a team meeting earlier this week.
Because the stadium will be virtually
empty due to UEFA sanctions dished out to Croatia, TV cameras and microphones are likely to pick up players’ voices during the game. No special measures are being put in place by broadcasters Sky for their pitchside microphones and they are not planning to put a delay on coverage. But despite Southgate’s words of warning, he accepts it may be difficult to completely eradicate
the expletives from his players in the heat of battle. ‘I think it’s for the television companies to decide where they put their microphones,’ said Southgate. ‘So it’s something we can’t prepare for, other than that we train in the same sort of environment every day of the week.’ Up to 500 England fans are due to be in Rijeka tonight despite the supporter ban — but there are a number of vantage points around the stadium that would allow fans to watch the game. One local told
Sportsmail that occupants of houses with a view of the pitch would let England fans into their property in return for payment. On the pitch, having played with a back three during the World Cup, manager Southgate has experimented with a back four in training this week. That could see Kyle Walker selected at right back at the expense of Kieran Trippier. John Stones is set to start alongside Harry Maguire in central defence while Ben Chilwell is poised for his first international start on the left side of defence. Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier are expected to start in midfield. Ross Barkley is also pushing for a place in the team. Harry Kane is set to lead the line alongside Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford if Southgate decides to play with a back four. Southgate, though, is set to rotate his players for Monday’s clash against Spain in Seville to ensure they do not return to their clubs tired. Meanwhile, Tottenham academy chief John McDermott is set to be on the FA’s shortlist to replace outgoing technical director Dan Ashworth.