Plagued by more drop-outs than the local sixth-form college, the Three Lions boss has been left cobbling together a patchwork side, only a step or two shy of calling in the ringers as he ponders how best to make use of the final game before he names his squad for Euro 2024.
Kyle Walker? His car's knackered. Bukayo Saka? His mum says he has to go to church. Harry Kane? Straight to voicemail. Ugh, fine. Has anyone got Rico Lewis's number?
Inevitably, though, Southgate still has Declan Rice, first man to help put up the nets, a reassuring constant that both David Moyes and Mikel Arteta have come to take similarly for granted, and with good reason, too.
Over the past three Premier League seasons, Rice has missed a grand total of three matches; two to illness, one to suspension and none to injury. For England, since his debut five years ago this week, he has been unavailable for just one camp and been rested only twice in almost two-and-a-half years. In fact, as he prepares to win his 50th cap at Wembley tonight — and first as captain — the only slight surprise is that four men have got there faster, the teenage talents of Raheem Sterling, Michael Owen, Wayne Rooney and Marcus Rashford all quicker out of the traps.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 26, 2024-Ausgabe von Evening Standard.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der March 26, 2024-Ausgabe von Evening Standard.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
In the eye of the storm A rich account of Britain's political chaos
Tim Shipman’s fourth and final tome covers Johnson to Sunak, via Truss
Is this government full of amateurs?
Labour's hard landing has revealed a cabinet struggling with the basics
It's going to be weird when the national anthem plays, but I'm so proud to lead the United States
Emma Hayes closed the book on 12 trophy-laden years at Chelsea with her fifth consecutive Women’s Super League title in May.
Can Guardiola fix 'fragile' City after latest implosion?
Rebuilding his ageing side will bea greater challenge than building it in the first place for one of the greats
London wins battle of the global city brands again...
...but the capital still has plenty of work to do ifit wants to keep that crown
At home with...Earl of East
The duo behind the fragrance brand have made a Leyton new-build their sanctuary
How evolution evolved: the risks and rewards of gene-editing technology
INDIA BLOCKspeaks to paediatrician and TV writer Dr Neal Baer about the controversial advancement
This beloved take on Dickens is a joyful gift that keeps on giving
AIl through a bright, bitter winter day I was smiling because I was coming to see Jack Thorne's adapAtation of Charles Dickens's story again.
Market merrymaking
Bundle up in your warmest coat, hat and mittens to visit the best Christmas markets in the UK.
Festive favourites
Perfect your Christmas spread with a vibrant spin on a seasonal staple.