England have already secured their spot at next summer’s World Cup.
While their 1-0 win at home to Slovenia didn’t exactly convince anyone that Gareth Southgate’s men are in good shape to end the nation’s over half-a-century wait for major tournament success, they have at least got the job done.
In doing so, Southgate was able to experiment with his line-up for their final qualifier against Lithuania on Sunday afternoon.
Along with Jack Butland replacing Joe Hart in goal, the England boss elected to play a number of less familiar faces for the game in Lithuania – handing debuts to Tottenham’s Harry Winks and Leicester’s Harry Maguire.
Here's how the #ThreeLions will line up tonight! 📋 pic.twitter.com/KfGJpw8IYK
— England (@England) October 8, 2017
As is always the way ahead of an England match, the manager’s starting line-up didn’t sit well with everyone. Whereas the inclusion of Liverpool’s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain drew plenty of criticism ahead of the Slovenia game, on this occasion, it was the selection of one of his club-mates that seemed to be attracting more disapproving comments before kick off in Vilnius.
Jordan Henderson didn’t enjoy his finest game of football in the game at Wembley (no England player did), and was widely mocked for appearing to completely miss the ball when attempting a first half shot on goal. Despite this, Southgate has again named him in his starting XI – much to the disappointment of many England supporters.
Henderson gives hope to everyone they can play for England one day
— Michael Blackman (@MichaelNemo89) October 8, 2017
The fact Henderson is starting for England means I'm still in with a chance of getting called up
— JB (@jayjaybenito) October 8, 2017
Is it April fools day , Henderson over dier
— Neil (@monkey1959neil) October 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/jackswheatley/status/917043762316152832
https://twitter.com/TeamSoloKappa/status/917038631264677888
Henderson 😫😫😫
— Darren Harvey (@SinginPete) October 8, 2017
https://twitter.com/matt_wigmore/status/917043568107245570
https://twitter.com/PogMkhiZlat/status/917040065225912321
