SOUTHGATE’S DILEMMA AFTER ENGLAND’S OPENING VICTORY
GARETH SOUTHGATE is considering starting with Marcus Rashford against Panama on Sunday.
Southgate is ready to make some changes from England’s win over Tunisia, with Rashford pushing for a place in the first XI.
But Southgate had already hinted Raheem Sterling, who was substituted against Tunisia, may make way for Rashford (with the England boss, left) to shake things up and give players a break before the final group match with Belgium.
It could also mean a start for midfielder Ruben LoftusCheek as the Belgium game is just four days later. England’s lack of goals is a major concern for Southgate and that is giving him food for thought over 20-year-old Rashford.
But the manager also backed Sterling, adding: “I was pleased we made clear-cut openings and, of course, the next step for us is to finish them.
“Raheem had a big impact on the game. I was really pleased with the performance he gave – his movement and his touch.
“But there were a lot of fouls, and a lot of them were on him.”