Southgate loses stars at the back

GARETH SOUTHGATE is facing defensive worries ahead of England’s World Cup double header.

Southgate will be without injured trio Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James (above) when he names his squad today for next month’s qualifiers with Andorra and Hungary.

John Stones has not played a minute for Manchester City this season while Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell lost his place in the last squad and will be a concern again as he has not featured in the Premier League.

Southgate (below) could be ready to recall Arsenal’s Ben White, who impressed in training during the Euros despite not being able to force his way into the England line-up.

White had a difficult start to the season after his £50million move from Brighton and contracted Covid which forced him out of the last squad but is regaining form and confidence.

They have also checked on AC Milan’s former Chelsea defender Fikayo Tomori and Southgate could look at him after he takes a roll call this morning.

Manchester United’s Luke Shaw is expected to be available and Southgate has used Kieran Trippier at left back but, with other players missing, there could be a chance for Chilwell depending on injuries.

Manchester City’s fit-again Phil Foden looks certain to come straight back having missed the Euros final and start of the season through injury.

Southgate has seen Crystal Palace’s on-loan midfielder Conor Gallagher and was particularly impressed with his display against Brighton on Monday night so he could get a call-up at some point.

England are likely to revert to a standard sized squad this time having named bigger numbers for the last few get-togethers.

There are just two games, but Andorra’s plastic pitch will worry Premier League bosses concerned about the increased risk of injuries.