SOUTHGATE READY TO GAMBLE ON FITNESS, NOT THE FUTURE

JOHN CROSS GARETH SOUTHGATE is ready to gamble on fitness issues rather than make surprise call-ups to his World Cup squad.

The Three lions boss regards Manchester City pair Kyle Walker and Kalvin Phillips as integral to his set-up, which is why he has been prepared to give them every chance of making it to Qatar.

But he is determined not to make the same mistakes as previous England managers who risked taking half-fit players to tournaments, which perhaps best explains the exclusion of Reece James.

Southgate can only take a punt on so many players, especially with James still likely to be three weeks away from fitness with a knee injury.

But he is likely to name a squad very similar to the previous one selected for the Nations League, although Marcus Rashford looks set to return and his versatility could mean heartbreak for Ivan

Toney and possibly Callum Wilson.

It also seems unlikely James Maddison (below, left) will make the cut. It is worth remembering that England do not play with a No.10 and have creative players in Phil Foden and Jack Grealish.

Would Foden and Grealish stand out in the Leicester team as

much as Maddison? Of course they would.

Defence has become a big issue and

Arsenal’s Ben White (below, centre) looks set to be rewarded for his outstanding form this season. White would probably have got in the last time squad but for a hip problem which he has been playing with at Arsenal but now looks back to full fitness.

White can play at right-back, right wingback and in a back three and his versatility is appealing, while Kieran Trippier (below, right) can also play on either side and looks a certain starter.

It could be a straight choice between Marc Guehi and Fikayo

Tomori as the final centre-half, while Luke Shaw could be the only left-back.

Jude Bellingham should be the ace in the pack in midfield because of his form for Borussia Dortmund this season, while there is a wealth of options in attack.

Raheem Sterling has been struggling at Chelsea but always steps up for England and then it could be a straight battle between Foden and Mason Mount to be on the other side although Bukayo Saka, enjoying an exceptional season, cannot be ruled out.

There are genuine quality options throughout the squad and, while the defence remains a cause for concern, the forward line should be enough to carry England’s best hopes in Qatar.