It’s altered States for Southgate selection

GARETH SOUTHGATE will hand out three debuts in an experimental England line-up tonight.

Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson and Brighton defender Lewis Dunk are set to start, with Southampton keeper Alex McCarthy ready to come on at half-time.

But Southgate is ringing the changes with the Nations League game against Croatia three days later very much in mind.

England boss Southgate said: “There are only three players in the squad who haven’t played for us, so it’s not so difficult. They will all make their debut at some stage, yes.”

Southgate will make a fitness check on Luke Shaw at left back but he will play if he is passed fit and that seems to suggest that Leicester’s Ben Chilwell has emerged as first choice in that position.

They will also hold back Joe Gomez for the Croatia game because the Liverpool defender has been carrying an Achilles injury but is now very much first choice.

Southgate added: “Joe, we’ve modified (his training) in the early part of the week just to make sure that we give him the best chance for being involved on Sunday.

“We just need to check on Luke Shaw a bit later. Other than that, everybody trained today and no problems.”