How England could line up against San Marino

An abundance of Gareth Southgate's England youngsters will hope to be given the chance to impress when the Three Lions take on San Marino in their opening game of World Cup qualification on Thursday evening.

Jordan Pickford's absence gives Dean Henderson the chance to prove his worth in goal, and while Nick Pope and the uncapped Sam Johnstone will be equally eager to start at Wembley, Henderson will likely be given the nod.

Should Southgate stick with his usual three-at-the-back system, Conor Coady and Tyrone Mings will likely be in for a quiet evening in defence, while Eric Dier could provide some international experience in the rearguard as Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire are spared for future matches.

Southgate affirmed that Trent Alexander-Arnold's omission was due to the Liverpool man failing to hit his usual heights this season, so Reece James looks set to earn his fifth cap for the national team here, while Luke Shaw's excellent form with Manchester United should see him get the nod over Ben Chilwell.

The hosting manager has extensive options in the middle of the park, but coming up against the world's worst-ranked nation gives 17-year-old Jude Bellingham an opportunity to impress after he was cleared to link up with the team, and he could be joined by Kalvin Phillips ahead of James Ward-Prowse, Mason Mount and Declan Rice.

A youthful attack could see 20-year-old Phil Foden and 22-year-old Mason Mount provide support to Southgate's lone striker, as Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford have both been ruled out.

Harry Kane would enjoy a record-breaking evening if he was unleashed against San Marino, but uncapped Aston Villa forward Ollie Watkins could kick off his international career in perfect fashion this week and will hope to lead the line at an empty Wembley.

England possible starting lineup:

Henderson; Coady, Mings, Dier; James, Phillips, Bellingham, Shaw; Mount, Foden; Watkins