Gareth Southgate makes big Aaron Ramsdale and Harry Kane decision after England trouble

Gareth Southgate will make a number of changes to the England team for Saturday’s Nations League clash with Italy. Aaron Ramsdale and Tammy Abraham are set to replace Jordan Pickford and Harry Kane with the Three Lions boss citing ‘player welfare’ as a factor.

Southgate also highlighted that the likes of Spain and France had made between seven and 10 changes for ‘a unique set of games’ that have taken place after a gruelling domestic season. The England boss also accepted that whilst his decision to alter his side may lead to poor results and criticism; his remit is to focus on the bigger picture, especially with the World Cup taking place at the end of the year.

England came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw away to Germany on Tuesday and Southgate revealed some players could ‘barely walk in the dressing room,’ after a ‘phenomenal effort’ at the Allianz Arena. Asked if he would tinker with his starting line-up against the Italians, Southgate replied: “I think we will because I think you have seen right across Europe – France changed 10, Spain changed eight, Portugal changed seven.

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“So this is quite a unique set of games where teams are thinking about player welfare to a degree, freshness, but also they are preparing for a World Cup because they know what’s coming and what they haven’t got in terms of friendlies ahead of the tournament. So strategically it’s a bit of a unique situation and I think you are seeing it right across Europe”

One player that certainly won’t want to be rested is England captain Kane, with Wayne Rooney’s goal-scoring record for the Three Lions within touching distance. The Tottenham talisman only needs