Maguire has not started a Premier League game for Manchester United in the past six weeks but is still regarded by Gareth Southgate as a key leader in England’s defence. However, the England manager is likely to offer Maguire extra cover and start with three centre-backs at the San Siro. Image: Ivan Toney will have to wait for his chance in England With Calvin Phillips undergoing shoulder surgery and Jordan Henderson continuing to recover from a hamstring strain, Bellingham will be given the chance to impress in the Nations League tonight, alongside Declan Rice. The 19-year-old has been in excellent form in Germany and has started all 10 games for Borussia Dortmund this season in the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal. Henderson is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a hamstring strain, and while he will not feature against Italy, Southgate hopes he will be fit enough to feature against Germany at Wembley on Monday. Brentford striker Ivan Toney is not in the matchday squad along with Ben Chilwell, Mark Gwehi, the suspended John Stones and Henderson.
Breakdown: Bellingham’s form demanded a starting spot
Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett reports that Harry Maguire and Jude Bellingham are expected to start against Italy tonight. Sky Sports News senior reporter Rob Dorsett: “It would be a massive moment for Bellingham. It would be just his fifth start for England, but a 16th cap, which is brilliant considering he’s still only 19. He’s been in England’s set-up since he was 17 – when initially called up under Southgate. “His influence, ability and confidence have grown over the last two years for both Borussia Dortmund and England. “His form for Dortmund calls for him to start tonight, in fact. He’s played more games this season than any other player in this England team – 10 games in the Bundesliga, Champions League and DFB-Pokal. He’s started every game for Dortmund and scored three goals. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player Former England striker Teddy Sheringham believes the current England squad has the right mix of “stability and talent” for the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. “When you consider that Calvin Phillips is off this team and is going to have shoulder surgery, Jordan Henderson is on this team but recovering from a hamstring strain, I think it was more and more likely that Bellingham had his chance. “Starting Maguire, however, is a controversial call given his lack of football with Manchester United.”
Southgate ‘throws support behind Maguire’
The Guardian’s Manchester football correspondent Jamie Jackson told Sky Sports: “It’s no surprise to see Gareth Southgate back Harry Maguire as he has been impeccable for England. “He was in the team that took England to a World Cup semi-final and the European Championship final. Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player The Saturday Football panel reacted to the England squad announcement, with Paul Merson thinking Luke Shaw is lucky to be included. “He lost his place at Manchester United. It was a big call from Erik ten Haag, but it wasn’t too surprising. I thought it would be Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez as first choice. “Southgate says it’s fine as it’s only a few games into pre-season. He said it could become a problem if he doesn’t get a lot of game time between now and the World Cup. “But I don’t see him coming back into the team. With that three-man defense that Gareth likes to play, I still think that even if Maguire doesn’t come back into the United team, I feel he will be first choice. for the World Cup Cup”.
Nations League state of play: England in trouble?
When A3 was drawn, Hungary quickly appeared to be favorites to finish bottom of this highly competitive group, but Marco Rossi’s side have picked up seven points from their first four games and are currently top of the table table. Hungary’s most recent game saw them record a shock 4-0 win over England at Wembley in June. Their game against Germany in Leipzig on Friday will be crucial, with the winners knowing that another win in the final game on Monday will secure them a place in the finals. Italy are just two points behind Hungary and face them in Budapest next week, meaning the European champions are still very much in contention in Group A3.
Group A3: Remaining matches
Germany – Hungary – Leipzig, Friday 23 September Italy – England – Milan, Friday 23 September England – Germany – Wembley, Monday 26 September Hungary – Italy – Budapest, Monday, September 26
The only team unable to reach the finals is England, who are winless and face an uphill task to avoid the ignominy of relegation to League B for the first time. Defeat by Italy on Friday would confirm relegation for Gareth Southgate’s side, who realistically need to win in Milan and at home to Germany on Monday if they are to stay up.
England’s World Cup Group B games
November 21: Iran (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan) – kick-off 13.00 25 November: USA (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor) – kick-off 19.00 November 29: Wales (Ahmed bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan) – 7pm kick-off
Pick your England starting XI for the 2022 World Cup
Gareth Southgate has revealed his final England squad ahead of the World Cup – but who would your starting XI be? What would your England starting XI look like if the World Cup started today and all players were available? Use our interactive selector to pick your team below, bookmark your picks and share them on Twitter @SkyFootball.
