[ad_1]
Gareth Southgate fears that he will have to make a late decision on Jordan Henderson’s participation in the delayed final of the European Championship, and one of his key players is likely not to have the sharpness of the high-level match.
The England manager said Henderson, who underwent groin surgery in late February, was facing a fitness career that would come “near the end of the season.” He will not select anyone for the summer tournament who is not in the best physical shape.
Southgate is preparing for Sunday’s World Cup qualifier against Albania in Tirana, where he hopes to be without Marcus Rashford (ankle) and Bukayo Saka (hamstring). Henderson, the Liverpool captain, was injured in his club’s home loss to Everton on 20 February.
“In terms of promises, we can only say that Hendo himself is very optimistic about how the operation went and the prognosis given by the specialist about what is possible,” Southgate said. “We are aware that with any injury of this nature, there is a guide and a defined time, but that anything can happen along the way.
“We know that it will be near the end of the season and we will have to see how it goes. He will give himself every chance to be available. And of course we also know that you are likely to be missing game minutes in high-level matches. There are many things to take into account but, for the moment, that is a decision that is a few weeks away. “
Southgate expects the Albania national stadium field to be in good condition despite recent concerns. The Air Albania stadium opened a year ago, but there have been problems with the pitch, caused in part by the shadow of a grandstand.
The Fiver: sign up and receive our daily soccer email
“We know a lot of work has gone into the court,” Southgate said. “It is a new stadium and we do not know more than that. Albania has been working very hard to put it in the best possible condition. “
Southgate said Nick Pope would start against Albania and in Wednesday’s tie with Poland. The goalkeeper, who played in Wembley’s 5-0 win over San Marino on Thursday, has his chance extended due to Jordan Pickford’s injury. Dean Henderson and Sam Johnstone are the other goalkeepers on the squad.
