GARETH SOUTHGATE is set to make ten changes from the side that scraped a 1-0 victory over Australia in Friday night’s friendly at Wembley.
SunSport understands that only Jordan Henderson will retain his spot in the starting XI following England’s victory over the Socceroos.
Harry Maguire will also see a recall to the team, despite his inclusion by Southgate being criticised by fans in England’s most recent qualifier against Ukraine and friendly against Scotland last month.
Kieran Trippier is set to feature at left-back again amid England’s recent injury crisis in that area, with usual inclusions Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell both ruled out with injury.
Marcus Rashford is also set to earn a start on the left despite struggling so far this season for Manchester United.
Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Jude Belligham and Harry Kane will all also return to the side as England look to seal qualification against Italy.
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Henderson’s place in the starting XI has become an increasing bone of contention for fans and pundits alike following his transfer to the Saudi Pro League.
His move to the Saudi state this summer angered many given his previously vocal role in being an ally to LGBTQ+ communities.
Same sex relationships are outlawed in Saudi Arabia and freedom of expression is also severely curtailed in the country.
In purely footballing matters the league is still seen as weak despite bringing in various stars to strengthen it this summer – with many feeling that performances, no matter how good, in the Saudi Pro League should not justify inclusion in the England side.
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The midfielder was booed off the pitch by large portions of the Wembley crowd when he was substituted on Friday much to the dismay of Southgate.
A defiant Southgate defended Henderson after the game and said: “I know what has created it and why it has happened but it defies logic to me that you would give a player who is putting his heart and soul into playing for England.
“How is that going to help him or the team?”
Henderson himself said after the game: “If people want to boo if I’m playing in a different country, that’s fine.
“Everyone is going to have an opinion over playing over in Saudi.
“I’ve spoken in the past about the reasons for that. Whether people believe us or not is up to them.
“But when I’m here with England, it doesn’t change anything. I give absolutely everything.
“Of course it’s disappointing, but it won’t change what I do here. I want to keep playing and help the team become successful.”
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England currently lead Italy by three points in Group C and only need a draw against Italy to secure their spot at Euro 2024.
It’s the first time the two sides have met at Wembley since Italy defeated England there in 2021 to lift the Euro 2020 trophy – and Southgate’s side will be keen to get revenge.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
