It appears that one key England player will not be starting the pre-Euro 2024 friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Three Lions take on Bosnia at St. James Park on Monday night in the first of two warm up games before they fly off to Germany.
Gareth Southgate will use the matches to determine his final 26-man squad, with several wildcard options set to be tested out.
The manager has confirmed that five stars will take no part in Monday’s clash through injury, while Jude Bellingham as he recovers from Real Madrid’s Champions League final victory on Saturday.
But everyone else is set to be involved in some capacity and there has already been a rather big hint dropped as to what the starting XI will look like.
Shortly after Sunday’s press conference, it was announced Kieran Trippier would captain the side, which not only confirms that the Newcastle defender will start, but also suggests that Harry Kane is on the bench.
England’s all-time top goalscorer scarcely misses a game for his country and has worn the armband since 2018.
The striker was absent for Bayern Munich’s final few fixtures of the season due to a back injury, but by Southgate’s own admission is fit to play against Bosnia.
If this is the case that Kane is on the bench, then it very likely means that either Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney will start up top, with the pair competing for a place on the plane as one of them is likely to be dropped from the final squad.
It remains to be seen how England will line-up, with right-back Trippier very likely to play at left-back instead given Luke Shaw’s injury absence.
‘It’s going to be very special in the stadium I play in every week,’ the Newcastle star said about captaining the Three Lions.
‘I have to thank Gareth for giving me that trust. If I have the armband or not, if I play or not, I’m a leader.
‘That’s the type of character I am. My son will be mascot so that’s even more special. It’ll be a very proud moment for me.
‘My calf’s feeling great. Obviously it was disappointing to pick up that injury but I’ve worked extremely hard in my rehab to get myself ready.
‘My fitness is fine and I’m ready to go. All the lads have had a good week’s training, they’re all ready.’
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