GARETH SOUTHGATE will have a selection headache when he has to pick his starting XI for England’s Euro 2020 opener against Croatia.
The boss will be sweating on the fitness of star players Harry Kane and Marcus Rashford ahead of the tournament with both facing lengthy spells on the treatment table.
Three Lions captain Kane is out of action until at least April after undergoing surgery on a ruptured tendon in his hamstring.
But leading surgeons have raised doubts that Kane will be fit enough for the curtain-raiser on June 14.
Rashford is also in a race against the clock after suffering a double stress fracture in his back.
Boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer also couldn’t reassure fans when asked whether the striker would be fit for the Euros.
If that’s the case then Southgate will have to do without his two most trusted forwards.
But their absences could give someone the chance to become a hero with Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham likely to get an opportunity.
Southgate will stick with Jordan Pickford in goal and is likely to play a back four of Ben Chilwell, Harry Maguire, Joe Gomez and Liverpool sensation Trent Alexander-Arnold across the back.
He has plenty of options in midfield but Jordan Henderson and Harry Winks will provide protection for the full-backs to bomb forward.
The attack remains the boss’ toughest decision but Raheem Sterling will be the first name on the team-sheet.
Jack Grealish is playing his way into contention and Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho deserves to start on the right.
Abraham could then be given the chance to lead the line after Jamie Vardy called it a day on his international career.
Kane and Rashford will both start if they recover in time but Southgate does have other options he can work around if not.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain can play in an advanced or deeper role and his versatility makes him an important figure.
James Maddison is another who has impressed throughout the season while Dele Alli has regained his form under boss Jose Mourinho.
Mason Mount is playing regularly under Frank Lampard and Declan Rice is expected to make the squad.
In attack Danny Ings’ incredible form this season that has seen him score 14 goals could see him make the squad, while Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also finding the back of the net.
Winger Callum Hudson-Odoi will remain another option from the bench.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
