Southgate taking no risks with nine players sitting out England training session

08 November 2016 13:38

A depleted England squad was joined by under-21s Nathan Chalobah, James Ward-Prowse and Nathan Redmond for training at St George's Park on Tuesday.

Interim manager Gareth Southgate is treating his players with kid gloves ahead of Friday's World Cup qualifier against Scotland at Wembley and excused nine players from taking part in the main session.

Tottenham quartet Kyle Walker, Danny Rose, Harry Kane and Eric Dier all sat out, as did Jack Wilshere, Phil Jagielka, Raheem Sterling, Theo Walcott and John Stones.

That meant room for three of the Young Lions, who were watched from the sidelines by Southgate's temporary under-21s replacement Aidy Boothroyd, who has already lost goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

Also on duty for the first time was West Ham full-back Aaron Cresswell.

He was called up for the first time after Danny Drinkwater's withdrawal on Monday evening, but is providing cover for Rose.

Of those to miss the session the Spurs left-back is the one providing most concern for Southgate and he will be carefully monitored in the coming days.

Source: PA