Gareth Southgate has admitted Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson could be fighting over one place in England’s World Cup team.
Both men have captained the side during his reign and, of Southgate’s 16 games in charge, Dier has started 12 and Henderson has started nine.
But his desire to play with two attacking options in central midfield – roles filled by Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli in the weekend win over Nigeria – means one of his trusted lieutenants could miss out.
Tottenham’s Dier played the anchoring role at Wembley and Liverpool’s Henderson will take over for Thursday’s farewell friendly against Costa Rica at Elland Road, but decision time is looming for the Group G opener against Tunisia.
“I’d be amazed if the two of them aren’t important figures for us during the tournament, but there is clearly the possibility they might not both play in every match,” said Southgate.
“It is a key decision, but that’s management isn’t it? You either select players, or you choose your system and pick the best people to fit into it. They’re the tough calls.
“But I think we will only want to play with one ‘pivot’.”
There remains a possibility that Henderson could play in the more advanced role, but that would be a change of gear given his shielding responsibilities at Liverpool, while Dier is capable – but not eager – to play in a back three.
At present, though, it seems likely one will be on bench duty in Volgograd on June 18.
“Henderson can play as a number eight, so that gives you an option, Dier can play as a centre-back…so they both have another way into the team. We’ll have to look at that,” added Southgate.