ONE last game stands between England and Qatar.
Gareth Southgate’s under-fire Three Lions are taking on rivals Germany at Wembley on Monday.
In terms of the Nations League, the game holds no weight for England as they’ve already finished bottom of their group and have been relegated to the second tier.
However, the game is of great importance heading into the Qatar World Cup this November-December with England without a win in FIVE – their longest winless run since 2014.
The Three Lions have lost three and drawn two, and their last win came in a friendly against Ivory Coast earlier this year.
And they need to try and get back to winning ways in their final warm-up game with optimism for the major tournament extremely low.
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Southgate recognises his job is on the line in Qatar – despite signing a new contract after England’s run to the Euro 2020 final.
He said: “Ultimately, I will be judged on what happens at the World Cup.
“Contracts are irrelevant as managers can have three, four or five-year deals but you accept that if results are not good enough, it is time to go your separate ways.
“Why would I be any different? I am not arrogant enough to think my contract is going to protect me in any way.”
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Fans will pack out Wembley, but will not be able to see Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jarrod Bowen, Fikayo Tomori, James Ward-Prowse or Jack Grealish.
The five have been omitted from the 23-man squad.
Alexander-Arnold’s dropping comes after former Chelsea star Frank Leboeuf slammed Alexander-Arnold as “Championship level” defensively.
He told Journal du Dimanche: “Look at Trent Alexander-Arnold. I love the guy, his offensive qualities. But defensively, he’s Championship level.”
Alexander-Arnold is fit to play the game and has taken part in all training sessions, according to The Athletic.
Grealish is out due to suspension while the other three were available but omitted.
BACK THREE
Southgate is expected to stick with a back three against the Germans.
Nick Pope could keep his place in goal, and be protected by a returning John Stones, Conor Coady and Kyle Walker.
Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier will provide the width at wing-back.
Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are expected to be handed more time playing together ahead of the winter tournament.
And Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane and Phil Foden may lead the Three Lions’ frontline.
Alternatively, Southgate could use Monday’s game to test out a few of his fringe stars.
With starter Jordan Pickford injured, Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale could be handed a chance to impress.
Marc Guehi, who was preferred over Italian title-winning defender Tomori, would play in defence if called upon.
Returning Ben Chilwell would be comfortable on the left, but has played very few minutes this season.
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Jordan Henderson has been preferred to Ward-Prowse and could start in the midfield alongside Rice OR Bellingham.
And Ivan Toney would be quite the handful up front if given his debut.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
