England face Serbia in Belgrade in another World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night with Thomas Tuchel ready to keep faith with Elliot Anderson for the occasion over the experienced Jordan Henderson
Elliot Anderson looks set to keep his place against Serbia.
England boss Thomas Tuchel dropped a big hint that the Nottingham Forest midfielder will start his second World Cup qualifier in a row after making his debut against Andorra on Saturday. Tuchel was actually asked whether veteran Jordan Henderson would be well suited to the fiery occasion because of his experience and the fact he has played in the stadium before.
But Tuchel was revealing in that Henderson will have a role to play for the squad and to support Anderson even if the Brentford midfielder does not start. When asked if it was a night for Henderson, Tuchel said: “Yeah, but not only on the pitch.
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“Maybe if Elliot Anderson plays again to have Jordan in the dressing room and Jordan on the training pitch and around the team, nothing has changed.
“And he is in very good shape by the way, he had a very good training week. Of course he will have a voice in the team.
“Jordan has played here, Harry Kane has played here and they have talked already about it.”
Marc Guehi has given England a major fitness boost ahead of the World Cup qualifier in Serbia.
Crystal Palace captain Guehi complained of a groin issue during Saturday’s win over Andorra and had to be managed on Sunday to spare him from a full workout.
But Guehi trained fully on Monday before the squad left for Serbia – and Thomas Tuchel also cleared him to play.
England boss Tuchel said: “Everyone is available. Everyone trained. We took care of Marc on the day of the game and yesterday but everyone trained.”
Meanwhile, England’s flight from the UK was held up by the weather and the players did not have their customary walk around the pitch the night before the game.
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The Rajko Mitic Stadium in Belgrade – which has a 51,000 capacity which has been partially closed down to 42,000 as a punishment for racist offences against Andorra in June – features a 73 metre-long tunnel as well as being famous for its atmosphere.
Tuchel added: “The tunnel is not so agreeable. Of course. But that’s what it’s all about now. It’s nice.
“You’re in this country and sporting nation and emotional country, full of quality in every sport, especially in sports that could have a ball.
“So, so talented and that’s the beauty of it.”