GARETH SOUTHGATE knows the clock is ticking.
The England manager has to trim his Euros squad down to 26 on Saturday and there is less than a fortnight until the first group match with Serbia on Sunday, June 16.
And yet there are question marks in central defence, at left-back, in central midfield and how to shoehorn both Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden into the starting line-up.
While Jack Grealish (training, right) sweats on his place and Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw remain big injury doubts, the midfield solution is likely to come in the shape of a full-back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will get an audition in midfield across the next two friendlies - with Bosnia and Herzegovina tonight and Iceland on Friday - in the hope that he can solve perhaps the biggest puzzle.
When Southgate picked the training squad last month, the Three Lions boss admitted it was a case of "Declan Rice and who?" with the Liverpool playmaker the most obvious solution.
Bu hikaye Daily Mirror UK dergisinin June 03, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Daily Mirror UK dergisinin June 03, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
SMITH'S A TENSATION
Jones hails the near-perfect England fly-half... but Marcus says he's still learning every time he plays
KEEP FAITH WITH POPE
Baz backs stand-in keeper Ollie to succeed at No.3
Was Brit double killer the Butcher of Mons?
Belgian crime expert calls for probe into monster Sweeney
Paddy given a factory reset
BBC hit back for Xmas special with new host
Maid 'murdered by Brit was about to fly home
Killed in Hong Kong a day before trip back
TRUMP ELECTION RAP IS DROPPED
Case over 2020 defeat set to be thrown out
Cher.. and Cher alike
Star was in her 30s before she found out her real name
Tragic Liam fell 'trying to flee from hotel room'
Staff 'knew he threatened to escape'
Craig.... the softie
Strictly judge had to tone down his cruel barbs or be cancelled
Danny's had me in tears
McFly star's sister proud he opened up over his anxiety