GARETH IS SET TO CALL ON SANCHO
Jadon Sancho is in contention to make his first competitive international start when England kick off their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign against czech Republic at Wembley on Friday.
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford missed yesterday’s training session at St George’s Park with an ankle injury and could miss Friday’s clash at Wembley.
If Rashford fails to prove his fitness ahead of the game, then Borussia dortmund sensation Sancho will be a strong contender to replace the old Trafford star and line up alongside harry Kane and Raheem Sterling in attack.
dele alli will also be an option for the role vacated by Rashford. chelsea’s callum hudson- odoi is unlikely to be named in the starting XI given he was only drafted into the squad following a string of withdrawals.
Sancho has won three England caps — including one start against the USa in november.
England captain Kane said: ‘he has no fear. We had a little suddendeath penalty shoot- out and he chipped his one down the middle. That takes a bit of bottle, especially at his age, but it shows he is enjoying it and that is what we want. We want players to enjoy it and express themselves in any part of the game or training and he certainly has done that today.’
Southgate is facing a selection dilemma following the withdrawal of John Stones through injury.
harry Maguire is likely to start in a back four, with Southgate, who held one-to-one meetings with his players at St George’s Park on Monday night, leaning towards playing Michael Keane alongside the Leicester star. Burnley’s James Tarkowski is another option.
declan Rice is also in contention to start after his first call- up since choosing England over the Republic of Ireland.
‘You can’t describe it,’ said the West ham midfielder. ‘I was just bursting with pride. It’s everything that you’ve wanted to work for as a kid and it has come true.
‘as you can hear I am English, I am from England. It was really good playing for Ireland. now I’m really looking forward to the future and pulling on the England shirt.’