- Gareth Southgate is expected to make wholesale changes against Italy
- The England manager fielded an understrength side in Friday’s friendly win
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’
Gareth Southgate insists he will not be drawn into a popularity contest as he prepares to stay loyal to key players in crucial Euro 2024 qualifier versus Italy.
The England head coach, having fielded an understrength side in Friday’s friendly win over Australia, will revert to experience for the clash at Wembley, where qualification for next summer’s tournament in Germany can be sealed with a draw.
Mail Sport understands Southgate will resist the temptation to field Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who started both matches during the last international break, paving the way for Harry Maguire – whose place in the England squad has been under huge scrutiny due to his lack of action at Manchester United – to start.
Similarly, Kalvin Phillips – who is on the peripheries of the Manchester City first-team – is also in line to play in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
The potential selection of Maguire and Phillips, given their lack of game time, could be viewed as contentious by England onlookers.
Gareth Southgate admitted picking players to represent England isn’t a ‘popularity contest’
Ex-Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson was booed by several England fans during the Three Lions’ friendly with Australia but has since been backed by Southgate and his team-mates
In light of Jordan Henderson being booed by England fans against Australia, Southgate was asked whether he considers external influences when he picks his team.
He responded saying: ‘We’ll assess Jordan like every other player. But if I just select on a popularity contest, then our team would look very, very different.
‘I’ll always pick the players that I think are the best players to represent the team, that give us the best chance of winning, unless there’s something that I feel is not appropriate.’
Elsewhere, Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden are hopeful of returning to the starting XI, while Jordan Pickford and Kieran Trippier are among the players looking to be recalled in defence.
Kyle Walker is also set to play after being rested for the win over Australia – and the Manchester City defender has revealed he will contact Arsenal coach Nicholas Jover following their on-field spat earlier this month.
Kyle Walker is set to play against Italy on Tuesday after being rested for the win over Australia
Kalvin Phillips (left) and Harry Maguire (right) are also expected to be involved despite their lack of gametime with their respective clubs
Southgate insisted he picks the best players at his disposal, focusing only on winning matches
Walker and Jover clashed after the final whistle of Arsenal’s 1-0 win on October 8 after the England full-back refused to shake hands with the Gunners set-piece coach, who was previously at the Etihad.
‘I don’t like losing. A couple of matches before, Nico, who worked for Man City, he did not want to shake hands when we beat them before,’ said Walker.
‘When we lost, he wanted to shake my hand and I did not take it lightly. Simple as that.
‘I haven’t been in touch because I have been concentrating on England but I will probably reach out to him, definitely. I will say, it was probably a bit too much.’
