There were further clues on Monday night of Gareth Southgate’s plan to play Marc Guehi in England’s tournament opener against Serbia on Sunday week.
As Mail Sport revealed on Monday, the Crystal Palace centre back is on course to start the tournament alongside John Stones as Harry Maguire continues to recover from a calf injury.
And the fact Guehi, who is naturally right-footed, played as the left-sided centre back rather than fellow starter Lewis Dunk, who was on the right, provided a major hint towards Southgate’s intentions.
Given Kieran Trippier is virtually certain of starting the Euros as first-choice left-back in the probable absence of Luke Shaw, who continues his rehab from a hamstring injury, the decision of Southgate to position Guehi next to the Newcastle defender was made with the intention of giving the pair an opportunity to develop a better understanding heading into the tournament.
If Guehi starts the tournament well, it will be interesting to see how Southgate proceeds when Maguire is deemed fully fit.
Three Lions stars set for pre-Euros break
England’s players will be given Saturday off before reconvening for the flight out to Germany ahead of the team’s first official Euros training session on Tuesday.
The players will be given some time off with their families following the game against Iceland on Friday night before the real hard work starts.
The final 26 man squad will complete a compulsory UEFA training session on June 11 at the Jena Stadium before retreating to their base in Blakenhaim for the reminder of their, hopefully full, stay abroad.
St James’ Park pays tribute to Burrow
St James’ Park paid a poignant tribute to Rob Burrow before the kick-off.
The passing of the rugby league hero following a long battle with motor neurone disease was confirmed on Sunday.
Former England captain Wayne Rooney continued the the tributes on Monday, posting on social media: ‘Devastating news. A true warrior, legend and inspiration. You will be missed Rob. Love and thoughts with all Rob’s family and friends.’
And the packed crowd here at the home of Newcastle showed their appreciation for Burrows before the game with a touching memorial.
England skipper set for recall
Harry Kane will return to the starting XI when England head back to Wembley on Friday for their Euros farewell against Iceland.
The captain, who came on as a substitute here, has been hampered by a back problem which precluded his full participation towards the start of the preparations for this game. But all parties are adamant the issue won’t be an issue when the tournament starts in less than a fortnight.
Southgate names historic XI
England named a starting XI without single player from Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United or Tottenham for the first time since November 1994 against Nigeria last night.
The team that day: Tim Flowers; Rob Jones, Steve Howey, Neil Ruddock, Graeme Le Saux; David Platt, Dennis Wise, Rob Lee, John Barnes; Peter Beardsley, Alan Shearer.
