TAKE A BOW
Abraham, Loftus-Cheek and Pickford ready to take their chance after debut call-ups for sell-out Wembley showpiece
TAMMY ABRAHAM will be one of three players to be given a dream debut against Germany at Wembley.
The 20-year-old Chelsea striker, who is on a season-long loan at Swansea, will start for England along with Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Everton keeper Jordan Pickford. For all three it will be a
first senior cap. Boss Gareth Southgate has decided to give youth its chance, with established keeper Joe Hart rested and Stoke No.1 Jack Butland the latest player to pull out through injury after breaking a finger in training yesterday.
It is the first time three players have made their full debuts in the same England game in four years.
Tottenham’s Eric Dier will take the captain’s armband with Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson and Gary Cahill among the big names missing. Southgate said: “Eric is an established player in the side now.
“He plays with maturity and intelligence. His approach to everything is very professional. He can be even more of a leader.”
Southgate is likely to promote Dominic Solanke, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Demarai Gray from the Under-21s after their game in Ukraine today to the senior squad to face Brazil on Tuesday.
The manager denied the injuries had wrecked his plans and spoiled the games for the Wembley fans, but said English clubs needed a mid-season break.
He added: “It is not a farce. We cannot do anything about injuries. But the period some of the clubs have had is incredible. A winter break is crucial.”