sport news England boss Southgate won't gamble for Wales decider as calls for Foden and ... trends now

sport news England boss Southgate won't gamble for Wales decider as calls for Foden and ... trends now
sport news England boss Southgate won't gamble for Wales decider as calls for Foden and ... trends now

sport news England boss Southgate won't gamble for Wales decider as calls for Foden and ... trends now

Having fielded an unchanged team against the USA on Friday, there will be a temptation for Gareth Southgate to make alterations against Wales on Tuesday night.

Not necessarily because he thinks his team were poor against the Americans, although the boos that greeted the full-time whistle were rather indicative of the nation’s mood after the goalless draw.

Southgate actually spoke positively about his team’s performance. Privately, however, you’d imagine he wasn’t entirely satisfied with certain elements of his players' output.

England boss Gareth Southgate talks to Raheem Sterling during a training session on Sunday

England boss Gareth Southgate talks to Raheem Sterling during a training session on Sunday

So, the likelihood of Southgate changing his starting XI in Tuesday’ showdown appears probable - though given England could still be eliminated against Rob Page’s team it is highly unlikely the 52-year-old will make wholesale alterations.

Southgate will not disrespect Wales. Nor will he disrespect the fact there is still something, however small, riding on this game.

But above all else, he will want to win the match - particularly after the negative reaction to Friday performance.

Reinvigorating England's forward line seems a logical place to start. Having plundered six past Iran last week, England’s attacking play was noticeably less vibrant on Friday; mustering just three shots on target.

Their attacking approach was laboured throughout, though that criticism wasn’t exclusive to England’s forwards on the night.

Southgate will not be taking anything for granted against Wales on Tuesday night

Southgate will not be taking anything for granted against Wales on Tuesday night

The smart money says Harry Kane will play, though he appeared to be hampered by the ankle knock that put his availability against the USA into question.

With qualification for the knockout stages assured, Southgate rested his captain for the final group game against Belgium at the previous World Cup.

Four years later, England do not have the same luxury; though the prospect of losing by four goals against the Welsh, whose solitary World Cup goal has been a penalty, are minuscule at best.

Yet, Southgate will not be taking anything granted which points to a starting role for Kane. The identity of those that support him, however, is an area Southgate will scrutinise.

Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka were all outstanding against Iran, but were less convincing versus the States.

On the night, Saka and Sterling were both replaced, the latter walking straight down the tunnel after his substitution - though he did return to take his place on the bench.

The notion of dropping Sterling is one riddled with difficulties. First and foremost, behind Kane, the Chelsea star remains England’s most influential attacking player.

Bukayo Saka could make way if Southgate decides to reinvigorate England's forward line

Bukayo Saka could make way if Southgate decides to reinvigorate England's forward line

Many will argue he is as important

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