AliousMarc Guehi is expected to start England’s opening Euro 2024 match against Serbia due to doubts about Harry Maguire’s fitness.
Crystal Palace centre-back Guehi is likely to partner with John Stones if Maguire is deemed unfit.
Guehi is also set to play alongside Brighton’s Lewis Dunk at St James’ Park on Monday, where a strong performance could secure his spot for the tournament.
Anthony Gordon (ankle) and Bukayo Saka (groin) will miss the game against Bosnia but are expected to be fit for Iceland.
When asked about consulting his injured players before reducing the squad from 33 to 26, Southgate responded: “As little as possible.
They’re lying buggers really! If you’re in a relegation battle, the treatment room is absolutely full.
If you’re in a cup final it’s empty. I’ve learned that.
They have great intentions and are super positive, but equally they want to be on the plane, so we have got to have a more in-depth view than that.”
Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney are vying for a chance to impress against Bosnia, with captain Harry Kane starting on the bench as Southgate considers his options for Bayern Munich striker’s understudy.
Southgate also mentioned that the team is unlikely to use the three-at-the-back system that was common earlier in his tenure, despite knowing its strengths and weaknesses.
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