England vs Scotland: Gareth Southgate watches on as his Three Lions stars train ahead of huge World Cup Qualifier at Wembley… as boss gives HUGE hint Wayne Rooney will start
THE MOOD was a relaxed one in training today as England’s players were put through their paces ahead of the World Cup Qualifying clash against Scotland.
And the most interesting talking point to come out of the session was that Wayne Rooney was seen leading from the front and taking corners.
Wayne Rooney was pictured taking corners during England training today at St George’sEngland players get together to listen to instruction from Southgate and his coaching teamReuters
All eyes will be on Wembley on Friday night as Gareth Southgate leads his Three Lions into a battle they dare not lose, and most probably, have to win.
A victory will not only cement England’s place at the top of Group F, but also go some way to propelling Southgate into the managerial hotseat on a permanent basis.
Southgate was pictured in casual chat with Wayne Rooney todayReutersThe discussion then seemed to take a more serious tone between the manager and his captainReutersEngland have been roundly criticised over who takes their corners – finally Harry Kane looks set to take a back seatWayne Rooney played an integral part in training today – it’s likely he will start for EnglandNews Group Newspapers LtdSouthgate and assistant Steve Holland watch on as Jesse Lingard tries to impressPA:Press Association
The former Middlesbrough boss watched on as Jamie Vardy, Raheem Sterling and the rest pounded the playing surface in Burton-on-Trent.
Southgate was also pictured in deep discussion with his captain Wayne Rooney. The much-maligned Manchester United frontman is desperate for a return to form that once saw him feared across Europe and the world.
Tom Heaton was clearly giving it his all in training today - will he get the call ahead of Joe HartReutersSammy Lee takes over this part of the session, and the players listen on intentlyGetty ImagesJamie Vardy's form has gone off the boil somewhat in recent weeks, but he offers another option for EnglandReutersNathaniel Chalobah joined in with senior training as he looks to break into the Chelsea first-teamPA:Press Association
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"I have really enjoyed it," he said. "It's a great honour.
"I've played for my country, I've got the chance to manage the best players in the country in an England-Scotland game on Friday night. Wow. For me, that's incredibly exciting.
"As a coach you want to work with good players . What's clear in my mind for this week is the areas you want to work with from last time.
"That should always be ongoing. That should always be our analysis. So, yes, I've enjoyed it and I intend to embrace this opportunity."
Daniel Sturridge is another player who will look to prove to Southgate he is worth a starting spot despite being benched at LiverpoolReutersAdam Lallana shone, as did most of his Liverpool team-mates, in the side's 6-1 thrashing of Watford at the weekendPA:Press AssociationKeeper Jordan Pickford has been impressive for Sunderland this season despite them having a terrible start to the Premier League seasonReutersAaron Cresswell was a late call-up after not long returning from injury for West HamReuters
Southgate says it "would be wrong to be distracted by anything else", going as far to say his future is "not important" compared to keeping England at the top of the World Cup qualification group.
"What's important is that the team is top of the qualifying group going into Christmas and that the country is in a good place with that," he said.
"Then there is time for whatever process is going to happen to take place. For me, that is what is right for the organisation, going through the process talking to who they want to talk to.
Joe Hart has seen his form improve for Torino over recent, and should get the nod between the sticks for England against ScotlandReutersWayne Rooney could be given a leading role for England against Scotland at WembleyReutersThe players were relaxed in training and will be hoping to show no nerves when they face ScotlandReutersAll eyes will be on Wembley this Friday, and a win coulod well guarantee Southgate the permanent jobPA:Press Association
"I have not discussed what happens next.
"I've got meetings in the diary about what happens next with all the age groups through to Christmas and January. I've not thought too much about that either.
"The period up to Christmas is a little quieter which gives people time to do the planning for next year."
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