Southgate in need of swift response for Munich test

Selection is still an issue for boss ahead of crunch clash against revitalised Germans

- Simon Collings

GARETH SOUTH GATE was sat watching from the bench the last time England played Germany in Munich.

The then 30-year-old was an unused substitute as Sven-Goran Eriksson’s side dismantled Germany 5-1 in 2001 to record their biggest victory over their great rivals.

Southgate can still vividly recall that game 21 years ago, even remembering that Germany played with two man-markers and a sweeper, and says it was a night he learned “a hell of a lot”.

Returning as England manager tonight, Southgate (below, at training yesterday) will be hoping to learn plenty about his own players when they take on Germany in the Nations League. With 168 days and five games left until England face Iran in their World Cup opener on November 21, there are still issues in the team that Southgate needs to resolve.

There are some certainties: Harry Kane will lead the line; Declan Rice has to start in midfield; and Jordan Pickford has a firm hold on the goalkeeping position after a strong end to the season.

Beyond that, though, questions remain, particularly at the back, where England have been hit with a spate of injuries. Ben White has already pulled out of the squad, Fikayo Tomori is missing again tonight, while Marc Guehi is only just returning to fitness.