Trio listening as Southgate promises England debuts, confirms one key doubt for Switzerland clash

Gareth Southgate will be giving out England debuts across the international friendlies against Switzerland and Ivory Coast, he has confirmed amid a squad update.

England have two fixtures to fulfil in the current international break. Neither are competitive, given that World Cup qualification has already been secured. It will therefore be an interesting opportunity for him to test out some other players.

The squad features a few players who have not been capped at senior level before. Full-backs Kyle Walker-Peters and Tyrick Mitchell, plus centre-half Marc Guehi, are in contention for their full England bows.

Manager Southgate used his Friday press conference to confirm that new faces will be given a chance over the next few days.

He said: “We will have debuts this week for sure. Great moments for those players and we will always want to put them in with experienced players.”

Some members of Southgate’s original squad have had to withdraw, though. Now, he faces further depletion, with Emile Smith Rowe revealed to be a doubt.

The manager confirmed: “Emile Smith Rowe did not train today so he is unlikely to be involved tomorrow.

“Raheem [Sterling] is fine. It was shame to lose Bukayo [Saka] but we are back in those moments again where this is a spike again [in Covid cases].”

There is now a chance for players to stake their claim ahead of the World Cup at the end of the year. One factor that may help them work their way into Southgate’s consideration is versatility.

He explained: “The key is being excellent in one position. You never know how adaptable someone is to playing two or three positions.

“We have a few players that can do that. It always gives you another opportunity to be selected.”

England will be hoping to go