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Nina Warhurst reveals 'terrible' World Cup mistake live on-air
England boss Gareth Southgate has been urged to make big changes for the ‘Battle of Britain’ as the Three Lions take on Wales on Tuesday in their final World Cup group stage game. Following the drab draw against the USA, the head coach has seen questions asked of him and there could be several changes made to face Rob Page’s side.
Southgate named an unchanged team to face the US off the back of their 6-2 drubbing of Iran, but were unable to find the same momentum as Gregg Berhalter’s midfield shut down England and stopped them from getting on the front foot. England remain top of the group and are in a good position ahead of the final group game, as they need to avoid defeat to Wales in order to qualify for the knock-out stages.
However former England defender Stuart Pearce believes that as Southgate’s side will be strong favourites due to Wales’ poor form in Qatar it could be an opportunity to rest influential players, including captain Harry Kane. “There’s a couple I’d like to not see play,” Pearce told talkSPORT. “That would be my starting point because I cannot afford for them to be injured for the knockout stages.
“Declan Rice number one, Luke Shaw number two because he gives us natural balance on the left-hand side and we have no natural left-foot replacement there. There’s two individuals that I’m thinking to myself there’s no chance I’m playing them I’ve got to keep them safe. Kane might be another one that falls into those.
England boss Gareth Southgate has been told to drop three stars vs Wales. (Image: GETTY)
“I don’t think it’d be bad to see someone who offers a run in behind as a change, maybe Callum Wilson or someone of that ilk like [Marcus] Rashford if he wants to play him down the middle to offer us some energy up front.”
Kane was brought off in the win over Iran after suffering a foot injury, though despite going for a scan was able to recover in time to play 90 minutes against the USA. Rashford has come off the bench in both games, and scored in the opening fixture while Wilson also got an assist against Iran.
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Though he may wish to get minutes into the Manchester City man’s legs having only recently recovered from injury. Kieran Trippier would likely fill in at left-back in Shaw's absence.
After making a £42million move from Leeds in the summer, Phillips has played just one minute of Premier League football under Pep Guardiola as he underwent shoulder surgery and was a doubt to make the World Cup squad.