England v Lithuania - talking points
England reach the halfway point of their World Cup qualifying campaign with Sunday’s home qualifier against Lithuania. Here, Press Association Sport looks at five key areas of interest going into the match.
England fans on notice
The behaviour of some England fans came in for criticism in Dortmund
England’s loyal travelling supporters can be a major boon to the side at times but there is no hiding from the fact that the small-minded, backward-thinking scenes in the away end in Germany did nothing but detract from the evening. Not all England fans are obsessed with songs about the war, though, and this is a chance to show a more palatable, diverse face. Wembley may not be a sell-out but those who attend, including many families, have a chance to back the team in a dignified, respectful manner. With tributes and a minute’s silence planned in honour of those affected by the Westminster terror attack, no further incentive should be necessary.
A new-look defence
With Gary Cahill suspended and Chris Smalling and Phil Jones injured, England are noticeably light on caps at the heart of defence. The likely pairing of John Stones and Michael Keane have a grand total of 17 appearances under their belt, Keane having made his debut in midweek. Lithuania are not expected to pour forward in droves but the youthful duo, back up only by the uncapped Ben Gibson and the versatile Eric Dier, would be forgiven a wobble or two given their lack of game time together.
Jermain man
Veteran striker Jermain Defoe is angling for a first England appearance in four years and an appearance at Wembley would cap a remarkable return to prominence for a player whose time at the top looked to be at an end when he signed for Toronto FC in 2014. England do not usually source their centre forward from the Premier League’s rock bottom club but Sunderland’s last best hope has proved he has the experience, pedigree and form to lead the line if duty calls.
Youthful exuberance
Gareth Southgate has spoken frequently of his desire for England to be play their football in an energised, high-tempo fashion, a style that lends itself to younger legs. It may be no surprise that a man promoted from the Under-21 job trusts the job to a new generation but with an average outfield age of 24.35, and just three squad members aged 30 or over, this is a group brimming with youthful promise. The fixture may not be the sexiest in the international calendar, but with a relative lack of miles on the collective clock, Wembley should see a team that is still excited by the occasion.
Banking on Barkley?
Have England been saving Ross Barkley for Sunday?
Everton playmaker Ross Barkley was conspicuous by his absence against Germany, kept on the bench as debutants Nathan Redmond and James Ward-Prowse made debuts in the second half. That means one of two things - either the 23-year-old still has a long way to go to win Southgate’s confidence or he was being saved for the qualifier. Barkley’s skills may well be more useful in breaking down a little-fancied Lithuania side but with Adam Lallana and Dele Alli unlikely to make way, his route into the side is not clear.
