FORMER England keeper Ben Foster has sensationally called for Anthony Gordon to start at right-back when the Three Lions take on Panama tonight.
Reece James has been ruled out of the Group L finale after .
Anthony Gordon could be handed a shock role against Panama Credit: Getty
Ben Foster reckons the new Barcelona winger should start at right-back Credit: Getty
And, with Tino Livramento also before the World Cup, England chief Thomas Tuchel could make a shock call.
Foster, who won eight caps before hanging up his boots, reckons Gordon should get the nod.
The ex-stopper, 43, feels ought to play the winger in an unfamiliar role because Panama are not expected to cause problems.
Speaking on the Fozcast, he said: “You’d need somebody a bit more resilient and a bit happier to get stuck in.
“Anthony Gordon would be perfect because we’re not going to get exposed. Panama are not going to rip England apart.”
Gordon, 25, headed to the World Cup after completing a to LaLiga giants Barcelona.
Moving the former Newcastle man away from the left flank, where he has started each of England’s first two group showdowns, could present Marcus Rashford with an opportunity.
But James’ absence, along with of Declan Rice, Elliot Anderson and Bukayo Saka, means Tuchel is facing FOUR dilemmas.
KON AND GET SOME
A more conventional option at right-back would see Ezri Konsa, who was for a wild challenge against Ghana, move to right-back.
The Aston Villa man has already featured in that position for England, meaning there would be less risk.
It would also likely result in John Stones being on course to come back into the heart of the backline, having started the .
But Djed Spence is in with a shout of moving into his favoured position if Tuchel decides to go down a different route.
The Tottenham man, who appeared to before the stalemate with Ghana, was on the left-hand side of the backline last time out.
If Tuchel decides to go with his strongest line-up, Saka could be handed his first start of the tournament.
Ezri Konsa is another option at right-back Credit: Alamy
TUCH AND GO
England’s place in the last 32 was secured thanks to .
It means that Tuchel could decide to make wholesale changes as he prepares for the knockout stages.
Dean Henderson, Dan Burn, Jarell Quansah, Trevoh Chalobah, Kobbie Mainoo, Jordan Henderson and Ollie Watkins are still searching for their first minutes at the World Cup.
Morgan Rogers, who is a for Arsenal, may also be given a chance to shine.
But concerns over Saka, after being eased into the Three Lions’ World Cup campaign, mean Noni Madueke would be in with a chance of keeping his place.
It could be worth resting Harry Kane, who became in the win over Croatia, as well.
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HIT THE DEC
Rice was spotted and had heavy strapping around his left calf following the draw with Ghana.
That resulted in there being fears that the Arsenal man could be set for a spell on the sidelines.
But it might be in England’s best interests to give their vice-captain a rest, as SunSport’s chief football correspondent .
Rice is a huge influence in the middle of the park and being without him in the latter stages could seriously hinder the Three Lions’ hopes of glory.
His midfield partner Anderson, who is close to sealing a to Manchester City, is also a doubt with muscle soreness.
Tuchel will be desperate to avoid injuries when England’s place in the knockout stages has already been wrapped up, wanting to bag top spot in Group L has left him with a major conundrum.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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