Euro 2020 group game against Kosovo gives Gareth Southgate opportunity to rotate with reduced risk
A key difference between the qualifying campaigns for the 2018
World Cup and 2020 European Championship, other than
England currently steamrollering opponents, is Gareth Southgate no longer uses international duty as a parade ground. “We’re not having to trial players now,” he explained. “We’re able to select players who really fit into what we do and we think can take us on to another level.” Tuesday at St Mary’s Stadium could prove a significant moment for that polishing act.
The England manager has been averse to experimentation and issuing caps cheaply, as his starting lineup against Bulgaria on Saturday underlined, but Kosovo represents an ideal opportunity to expose Jadon Sancho and other young talent to the limited challenges Group A has to offer. When a team ranked 120 in the world is considered the toughest obstacle in the way of England’s procession towards Euro 2020 qualification, Southgate can afford to rotate with reduced risk. Sancho and Trent Alexander-Arnold are the most likely beneficiaries at Southampton, where Ben Chilwell, Mason Mount and James Maddison also hope to increase their international experience.