Gareth is open to changes
GARETH SOUTHGATE is ready to freshen up his England side for the clash with Wales.
He will make the final decision on his line-up today, with Phil Foden in line for a recall.
Foden is hopeful of getting his first World Cup start having played just 19 minutes so far.
Southgate is aware of the clamour for the Manchester City star to start but he is not one to buckle under outside pressure.
The England boss was in a similar situation with Jack Grealish at Euro 2020 – and the then Aston Villa man started just one game back then.
Southgate felt his players were tired and leggy in the heat as they laboured to a draw with USA on Friday night so is mulling over making changes.
Foden didn’t even appear off the bench on Friday, with Grealish and Marcus Rashford brought on ahead of him in the wide areas.
All eyes are now on whether Southgate will bring him in for the final Group B clash.
The England boss may opt to rest both Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling.
He played the same team against Iran and USA. That looks set to change tomorrow – but just what changes he makes up front depend on Harry Kane.
England’s skipper suffered a foot injury in the 6-2 win over Iran. After a scan he was cleared to face USA but didn’t shine.
Kane will be eager to start against Wales even though it would take a remarkable set of results for the Three Lions to not make the knockout stages – they need only a draw to progress.
Callum Wilson or Rashford are ready to step in should Southgate give his captain a rest.
James Maddison has returned to training but is unlikely to be risked against the Welsh.