England contemplating making two changes against Panama

Matt Stead

Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Fabian Delph will compete to replace Dele Alli if the England midfielder misses the game against Panama through injury.

Alli started England’s World Cup opener against Tunisia, but suffered an injury in the first half.

The 22-year-old was not removed until the 80th minute however, with replacement Loftus-Cheek helping Gareth Southgate’s side in their successful search for a late winner.

According to The Times, Alli is now ‘doubtful’ for the second group game against Panama with the thigh injury that restricted him against Tunisia.

He ‘is unlikely to train to avoid aggravating the injury’, which could persuade Southgate to bench him regardless of his fitness.

Loftus-Cheek is the most likely candidate to fill in for Alli if he fails to make the grade, with England aware of Delph’s plans to return home at any point for the imminent birth of his next child.

Southgate was ‘already considering’ granting Marcus Rashford a start against Panama in place of Raheem Sterling, the former having impressed as a substitute against Tunisia.