Gareth Southgate’s plans for upcoming friendlies against Germany and Brazil have been torn to shreds with news Harry Kane and Harry Winks have been forced to pull out of the England squad through injury.
England announced on Monday evening that the Tottenham duo had joined team-mate Dele Alli in withdrawing from international duty after failing to recover from injuries picked up over the weekend.
Southgate’s men host Germany on Friday before returning to Wembley to play Brazil next Tuesday and now the England manager will have to navigate through those tough friendlies without several key players.
West Brom midfielder Jake Livermore has been called into the squad as a result of Kane and Winks’ injuries and could even go straight into the starting XI against Germany with Jordan Henderson struggling to overcome his own fitness concerns.
It leaves Southgate short of options in central midfield and in attack with Jamie Vardy, Marcus Rashford and potential debutant Tammy Abraham left to fight for the right to lead the line against reigning world champions Germany.
Having played a direct hand in 21 goals in 18 appearances for club and country this season, filling Kane’s boots in the next two matches will be a tough ask for whoever Southgate turns to.
