Tottenham duo Eric Dier and Danny Rose will have to settle for a place on the bench in England’s World Cup opener against Tunisia, according to the Guardian.
Gareth Southgate is set to employ just one holding midfielder in his starting line-up, and it is believed that player will be Jordan Henderson.
Dier started in the warm-up game victory over Nigeria at Wembley, but he was replaced by Henderson against Costa Rica at Elland Road five days later.
And it looks like the Liverpool captain did enough to displace Dier.
Danny Rose had been expected to be England’s first-choice left wing-back at the tournament, but it seems Southgate has opted for Ashley Young.
Barring any late injury problems, Kieran Trippier, Dele Alli and Harry Kane should all start against Tunisia.
Alli’s strong end to the season with Spurs and impressive displays against Nigeria and Costa Rica will see him rewarded with a central attacking midfield role.
The team news comes as a personal blow to both Dier and Rose, but hopefully they will be given the opportunity to play a part later in the tournament.
