England news: Marcus Rashford in, Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling out

Marcus Rashford and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are set to start for England against Panama. Replacing Dele Alli and Raheem Sterling in the lineup.

Thursday brought much news from England’s base in Repino. Manager Gareth Southgate has dislocated his shoulder. This happened while out jogging in the Russian woods. At least it was not a player, sorry Gareth.

Southgate is resilient, he is back conducting training regardless. The former England defender celebrated his team’s winner from the sideline on Monday. Harry Kane scored two goals, giving the Three Lions victory.

Two other pieces of possible information are noteworthy. First of all; Guardian reports that assistant manager, Steve Holland, has revealed the lineup for Sunday’s clash. England face Panama in their second Group G match, potentially qualifying with a win.

Sterling gets the axe

Apparently Raheem Sterling faces axing due to repetitive missed chances along with a seemingly low self-belief. That is curious, however, as Sterling previously enjoyed a miraculously improved season.

Pep Guardiola was a fundamental reason for his advanced productivity. In relation to give-and-go tactics, as well as a superbly honed premiership champions squad of teammates.

Mirror Sport say in relation to Sterling’s proposed omission, ‘the fact that it is almost 1000 days and TWENTY-ONE appearances since Sterling scored the second of his two England goals.’

Mirror Sport also carries the team lineup conjecture, of which, Guardian states:

"“Dele listed as “medical” and had remained at the team hotel to receive treatment on a thigh injury. Rashford, who made a 22 minute cameo against Tunisia last Monday, was placed alongside the captain, Harry Kane, in attack with Sterling actually listed as Loftus-Cheek’s back-up in an attacking No 8 role. That would suggest the Manchester City forward will start on the substitutes bench.”(Via: Guardian Sport)"

Loftus-Cheek’s time to shine

Expect Ruben Loftus-Cheek to replace Dele Alli as well. Dele suffered a thigh strain, yet played most of the game. It is also suspected he may miss the Belgium match.

Spurs’ man Dele is ‘unlikely to face Panama on Sunday thanks to a thigh injury.’ That comment is from Sky Sports News’ Rob Dorsett.

Loftus-Cheek has all the attributes to succeed internationally. They include: confidence, scoring ability, key passes, tackling, height, speed and vision.

He hit the headlines recently in reference to his future at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea’s midfielder alluded to a possible transfer by saying:

"“That’s the key for me next season, regarding where I end up. I want to play. I want to play as much as I can. Even this past season just gone, I didn’t play as much as I would have liked to because of the injuries and stuff. So I still feel I need a proper season of playing, wherever it is.”– Ruben Loftus-Cheek (Via: Daily Mirror)"

In conclusion

Both proposed changes are not definite enhancers yet I see more balance prospectively. Although competing against opposition at Panama’s standard is perfect opportunity to increase the confidence of players like Sterling.

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It appears Manchester City’s man struggles with focus or maybe press intrusion. Consequently his form is sporadic, especially at international level. However, him firing on all cylinders is vital for knockout rounds.

While I envisage Rashford to come in and make a serious claim to begin in future. There is no doubt he is a precocious talent.

Along with Loftus-Cheek, who provides a more predictable and consistent output. Contrary to Dele’s mercurial nature. Chelsea’s midfielder provides crucial play in all areas of the pitch.

A zen like calmness envelopes Southgate’s demeanour, and his staff’s. I can’t often remember him celebrating his own goals as he did his Captain’s against the Tunisians.

That glacial focus would also serve his players well versus the Panamanians. It will be a physical matchup and furthermore Los Canaleros may surprise St. George’s side.

Panama captain Roman Torres is the heaviest player at this tournament. And is planning to impose himself on England.

In response to criticism for over aggressive confrontation, he told the Daily Mail: ‘I don’t know what people are complaining about, you have to impose yourself in football’.

To avoid embarrassment – and surely the World Cup‘s largest upset – the Three Lions must play without fear. Sticking to a game plan of flowing, relentlessly attacking football.

Next: Three Lions' player ratings v Tunisia

Join us in predicting the England v Panama score in the comment section. I guess a comfortable 3-0 victory to the Three Lions.