Both Kyle Walker and James Maddison will miss England’s opener against Iran.
Man City defender Kyle Walker is yet to recover from his groin injury and has not featured in City’s last six games.
James Maddison, on the other hand, is struggling with a knee injury and is yet to be available for full training with the England squad.
“Kyle Walker is a little bit short for this game but is progressing really well. We are ahead of where we thought he might be at this point,” Southgate said.
Elaborating on Maddison’s condition, Southgate was a bit more downbeat, adding: “James hasn’t been able to train since we arrived so he will not be able to make the game tomorrow.”
The England manager has backed both Maguire and Sterling after the duo came under-fire for their selection in the World Cup squad.
“We have to consider so many things when you are selecting a team. There’s the balance of the group. There’s definitely experience in these moments that’s key because not every player knows what it feels like to carry the England team.” Southgate added.
“Sometimes you don’t know how people are going to respond to that until they are in there and some don’t cope. The likes of Raheem and Harry have thrived in that spotlight and they are used to being relied upon for their clubs as well.”
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