England World Cup starting places still up for grabs, insists Gareth Southgate

Just for starters: England’s Jamie Vardy
PA
Simon Johnson7 June 2018

Gareth Southgate has told his fringe players that a good performance against Costa Rica could book them a starting berth against Tunisia in their opening World Cup game on June 18.

He has promised to make numerous changes from the side that beat Nigeria 2-1 on Saturday.

Jack Butland, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, Phil Jones, Danny Rose, Jordan Henderson, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Fabian Delph, Marcus Rashford and Jamie Vardy are all set to be named in the first XI.

Out of that group, Henderson already has a strong chance to face Tunisia but Southgate says there are a few places still up for grabs.

“We have two or three decisions to make on our starting team and it’s important that the players recognise that there is an opportunity to play their way into that,” he said. “Also, you’re looking at what are the changes you can make during games and where the players are at in the pecking order. It’s [his first XI choice] always evolving because you have in your mind as each week goes by the form and condition of the players.

“That does evolve from March to now and even during the camp — one or two missed a few games at the end of the season. There is always a possibility for the players to impress us.”

Southgate has confirmed that no one has been told they are guaranteed to be in his side for the finals opener.

In Pictures | England vs Nigeria | 02/06/2018

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Many expect Jordan Pickford to be in goal, especially after it was revealed that he had been handed the No1 jersey.

However, Southgate said: “I haven’t told anyone else they’re starting the first game, so why should I tell the goalkeepers? I understand they are a unique bunch but I don’t feel the need to do that ahead of this game.”

Henderson and Alexander-Arnold were the last two members of the 23-man squad to join up with the camp.

Decision time: Southgate runs the rule over his players during England training ( Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine)
Action Images via Reuters/Carl Recine

They were given extended time off because they played for Liverpool in the Champions League Final. They reported to St George’s Park on Sunday, just under two weeks after the first group turned up. When asked if they were at a disadvantage, Southgate added: “There is not a lot any of us can do about that but both have come in and trained well.”

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