England vs Italy talking points: Gareth Southgate's midfield selection headache and replacing Bukayo Saka
Who joins Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice in midfield? And could Phil Foden seize his chance in Bukayo Saka's absence? Follow England's European Qualifier against Italy live on Sky Sports' digital platforms from 6pm on Tuesday; kick-off 7.45pm
Monday 16 October 2023 17:00, UK
Gareth Southgate chuckled in the mixed zone after England's win over Australia on Friday that it would be a brave man to leave Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham out of a first-choice XI right now. The two midfielders are nailed on starters and are set to play a crucial role at next summer's Euros.
But the midfield still remains Southgate's biggest dilemma because the profile of player he puts alongside that pair will dictate how England play — and have a major impact on how far they go in Germany.
At the World Cup, it was Jordan Henderson who surprisingly claimed the role, defying his doubters to add industry in the middle of the park and free up Bellingham to take on the creative role he has now made his own. When Rice and Bellingham have been available, Southgate has gone with Henderson alongside them in the qualifiers with Ukraine this year and named him captain on Friday, despite criticism from outside the camp about his move to Saudi Arabia.
However, Southgate went with Kalvin Phillips away to Italy in March, with the Man City man perhaps seen as an option to add extra security alongside Rice against the top teams in tough matches — despite his lack of game time at club level. Pep Guardiola preferred to play Bernardo Silva out of position ahead of Phillips against Arsenal earlier this month but he retains Southgate's respect after the role he played at the last Euros.
Then there is the Trent Alexander-Arnold dilemma. He starred in an orthodox
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