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Gareth Southgate is ready to hand Jude Bellingham a two-game World Cup audition against Italy and Germany amid fitness concerns over Kalvin Phillips.

Borussia Dortmund midfielder Bellingham sat out training yesterday, as did Jordan Henderson — added to the squad as a replacement for Phillips — and Declan Rice as England manage the trio's workload. Whether Bellingham is ready to start Friday's game against Italy in Milan will hinge on him playing a full part in training today.

Nevertheless, Southgate is planning to give Bellingham, 19, ample opportunity against the Italians and in Monday's visit of Germany as he finalises his blueprint for the World Cup.