Kieran Tierney's race against time, Harry Maguire is fit

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By Ben Browning

Published: June 17, 2021 8:43 am

Last Updated: June 17, 2021 8:46 am

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England Daily: June 17, 2021

England’s game against Scotland is edging ever closer, with one of the oldest rivalries in national team history set for another episode.

With one day to go until the Scots, here are the five stories you need to stay on top of the Three Lions today.

5. Jude Bellingham in the Lions Den

It was Jude Bellingham’s turn to join Josh Denzel in the Lions’ Den. The 17-year-old became the youngest player ever to play at a European Championships when he came off the bench against Croatia, and reflected on the moment with Denzel.

The youngest player to ever play at the European Championships, Jude Bellingham ??????? pic.twitter.com/vJp9AqR36G

— Borussia Dortmund (@BlackYellow) June 13, 2021

The pair also spoke about his dad’s influence on his growth as a footballer, his friendship with Chelsea full-back Reece James, and how Jadon Sancho is like a “big brother” to him.

Watch the full video here.

4. Kieran Tierney could be out vs England

Kieran Tierney missed Scotland’s opening fixture, a disappointing 2-0 defeat against the Czech Republic, with what was, at the time, described by his manager as a “little niggle”.

Kieran Tierney has a ‘little niggle’ according to Steve Clarke but should be back available for the England game on Friday.

— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) June 14, 2021

However, this seems to have been downplaying the Arsenal man’s issue, with reports today suggesting that Tierney is a major doubt for Friday’s clash with England at Wembley.

Indeed, Tierney has spoken about his chances of playing against England, saying:

“It’s touch and go. A decision will probably be made tomorrow afternoon or even on Friday before the game.”

Kieran Tierney on whether he’ll be fit to face England on Friday:

“It’s touch and go. A decision will probably be made tomorrow afternoon or even on Friday before the game.” #SCO #ENG pic.twitter.com/qbfN69PvxZ

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) June 16, 2021

However you slice it, Tierney’s fitness problems are a big concern for Scotland and a big bonus for England.

Perhaps the biggest question for the Scots is, if Tierney doesn’t make it, will Steve Clarke move from 5 at the back to a back-4 instead?

3. Andy Robertson: Scotland should be respected

From one Scottish left-back to another, Liverpool’s Andy Robertson has begun a war of words with England after claiming that his side are not as respected as they should be.

Speaking to Sky Sports, the full-back said:

“I think we’re probably more respected now because we’ve qualified for a tournament and gone a lot of games unbeaten. But we’re still not as respected as much as we would all like,”

“So a chance to play against them is a chance to show people that doubt Scottish football what we can do. We did that in 2017. We gave them a tough game and we’ll need the same application and performance levels as that night. We were good that day, we followed our gameplan and we will need to do that again to get anything off England.”

2. Harry Maguire is fit for Scotland

Gareth Southgate spoke to ITV during their coverage of Italy vs Switzerland. The England covered a number of topics, including suggesting that Harry Maguire may be fit enough to play a role on Friday.

Maguire has participated in England training this week having missed the Euro 2020 opener against Croatia through injury.

According to the Man United defender, he believes he’s fit and available for selection against Scotland. Speaking to Sky Sports, Maguire said:

“I’ve done a few sessions now and feel like my fitness is there, so, like I say, I’m available for the game.”

Returning to Southgate, the England manager also discussed his tactical thoughts on full-backs during his ITV interview.

Southgate reiterated his desire to ensure that his full-backs were defensively sound before they attacked, something that some believe kept Trent-Alexander Arnold out of the reckoning across 2021.

It remains unclear who will start in the full-back berths against Scotland on Friday. Keiran Trippier impressed in the opening game but was playing out of his natural position, while Kyle Walker had a poor first half but improved as the game went on.

With such quality depth in those positions though, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the full-backs rotated against Scotland.

1. Arsenal have bid for Brighton’s Ben White rejected

Finally, a bit of transfer news around the England camp.

Arsenal have had a 40-million pound bid for Ben White rejected, as per multiple reports.

The Brighton defender was called up to the England squad to replace the injured Trent-Alexander Arnold, and while he is yet to appear at the tournament, is valued very highly in English football.

BREAKING: Brighton have rejected a £40m bid from Arsenal for defender Ben White.

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 16, 2021

According to Arsenal correspondent Chris Wheatley, Arsenal are expected to return with another bid for the defender imminently.

It is not known to what extent the player is involved in these negotiations, so it may not be until after the European Championships that a deal can be concluded.

Told that Arsenal have made offers for four players in the past week.

They’re confident of wrapping up two of those deals soon – believed to be Ben White and Albert Sambi Lokonga.

Xhaka, Mavropanos & Guendouzi leaving, with Eddie Nketiah also for sale.https://t.co/L5Ph72Xo8j

— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) June 16, 2021

Tune in tomorrow for another round-up of all the key England stories.