Before Gareth Southgate considers how to organise his midfield for Friday’s European Championship qualifier against the Czech Republic, he has to find a solution to the absence of John Stones.
It was an issue that was central to a discussion Southgate had with his coaching staff earlier this week, a meeting that was laced with frustration given the number of late injury withdrawals and the importance of the Manchester City centre half.
Stones came of age at last year’s World Cup and his ability on the ball is vital to how England play, not least when it comes to the accuracy and effectiveness of his passing between the lines.
Gareth Southgate has an injury crisis in defence ahead of the game against the Czech Republic
Declan Rice may be used in defence with Jordan Henderson ahead of him in the pecking order
So when the England manager’s options in central defence are limited to Harry Maguire, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane — and possibly Kyle Walker given his contribution in Russia — it will be interesting to see if there is a temptation to draft either Eric Dier or Declan Rice into the back four. They both have the necessary attributes, after all.
Of course, much of the excitement generated by Rice’s switch from Ireland to England concerns what the teenager can offer Southgate as a holding midfielder.
His performances at West Ham this season have already persuaded many observers that he is more dynamic than Dier and could soon prove himself a better option than Jordan Henderson, too.
As Sportsmail’s statistical analysis shows, he is certainly a match for his new team-mates.
But right now Henderson wins favour with Southgate not just for his form at Liverpool but for turning up when he was carrying a minor injury only last week.
Not only that, Henderson is a leader. It became apparent in October’s behind-closed doors game in Croatia that Henderson is every inch England’s midfield general and the way he conducted himself in an interview this week underlined his authority.
Rice might pose a threat to his place but Henderson was hugely generous in his praise of him
Henderson is one of Southgate’s captains even if Harry Kane has the armband on his sleeve
Rice might pose a threat to his place but Henderson was hugely generous in his praise for the youngster when he was asked to assess his qualities this week. Indeed he even defended Rice against the criticism he has received over quitting Ireland to play for England.
‘Declan has done really well,’ said Henderson. ‘For me it is not a big deal. It might be a bit different for him but it is
