Transfer talk won't derail our plans, says Southgate

ENGLAND v NORTH MACEDONIA Old Trafford, 7.45pm, Channel 4

- Dan Kilpatrick

 

GARETH SOUTHGATE played down concerns that his players could be distracted by transfer speculation ahead of tonight’s qualifier against North Macedonia — but a year out from the European Championship, the England manager is presiding over a squad in a state of flux.

A number of Southgate’s regulars, including captain Harry Kane, Declan Rice, Kyle Walker, James Maddison, Harry Maguire, Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount could change clubs this summer, while Jude Bellingham has already been unveiled as Real Madrid’s latest ‘Galactico’.

“There is much more [transfer] talk this time around than there has been in other years,” acknowledged Luke Shaw, who will be on home turf at Old Trafford this evening. “We read what is going on, we all talk, we’re all really close.”

In reality, the uncertainty is unlikely to have a detrimental impact on England’s chances tonight, with Southgate’s side expected to successfully follow up Friday’s 4-0 win in Malta and maintain their 100 per cent start to qualifying.

The five Manchester City players are back in contention to start, while Southgate has said he “won’t hesitate” to continue with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, after the Liverpool fullback’s standout display on Friday.