I think Southgate will end up taking TAA, James, Trippier and Walker. He'll only take one left back though and think Trippier can be backup there.
If the squad was named today and everyone is fit, then I don't think Saka is in it. Playing 3 centre backs really limits your squad options. You realistically need to take 5 CBs and 4 FBs. If you're playing a back 4, you only need 8 or can even risk 7 if you have a centre back who can play full back or a midfielder who can cover CB. With the current formation: Pope/Henderson/Pickford Walker/Maguire/Dier/Gomez + one of Mings/Keane/Coady TAA/James/Trippier/Chilwell Henderson/Rice/Mount + one of Winks/Philips/JWP/Foden Rashford/Sterling/Sancho/Grealish Kane/DCL + either Abraham/Ings I don't see how Saka fits in with that, unless you only take two strikers and rely on Rashford as backup, and even then another central midfielder may be more valuable.
I think saka is definitely in. His performances for England and his versatility has pushed him ahead of the likes of shaw
I would think its very unlikely Saka wouldn't go as things stand. Much more likely one of TAA or James isn't taken. I think as it stands TAA would not go. Although Trippier has a gambling charge over his head that may see him banned. I think most likely we will also take one direct back up to Kane. Rashford deputised for him most often anyway the previous two years so will probably be considered reasonable cover.
Just watching Tammy Abraham , still waiting to be amazed by the lad .. so far the ball just wouldn’t stick when it went up to him.. he managed one decent lay off out of 6 . He nearly gifted Newcastle with a dreadful layoff leading to a great chance for them . Newcastle are poor and it looks like their only decent defender will be going off injured so Abraham may well go to score a couple of goals with Chelsea in cruise control BUT he’s not England quality to my mind .. Werner sent a great cross for him to tap into the open goal but he was heavy legged .. almost plodding in at the back post . Vardy would have just slid into to it . He’s possibly 5th in line for that England CF spot I’ll be amazed if Giroud doesn’t come on for him soon
Abraham is a good target man. Hes probably only behind kane dcl and ings. Possibly Greenwood if Greenwood finds his form
if Sterling keeps crying off injured then playing every game for City he would be dropped if it was me
He does need to start to get his old form back I think but if he doesn’t go with the seniors, I’m sure he will go with the U21’s which should be good for them.
if fit not a chance Trent doesn't go, his form isn't the best right now but he is the best we have in that position
If both fit I think Saka and TAA both go.Trippier or one of centrebacks(because of Rice being cover) may miss out.
not sure Trippier would go he seems to be a Southgate favourite, maybe Walker who was out for a while drops out
Just watching Brighton vs Villa, Lamptey is fast as F**K! I'd like to see race between Lamptey and Walker.
wish some of these right backs had a left foot that was for more than standing on, also would be great if Trent could do a Lahm and Kimmich from Germany, his ball playing ability at the base of our midfield ...
To me he's always felt like a liability defensively, and his club accomplishments are due largely to his delivery, which is never really utilised for England. To me James and Trippier both look more comfortable in the system.
Trent isn't as weak defensively as people say, I've said this before but once the media decide something on you they say it forever. They will always say Trent is weak defensively, Sterling can't finish and Vardy can only run in behind etc. None of those are particularly true, though obviously Trent can improve defensively as he is still a young defender
He’s just potential at this stage I feel . He’s a runner and likes a tackle but his final ball is far too inconsistent . Chelsea’s James is getting better all the time plus there’s all the other options in front of Lamptey.