![MIDDLE STUMPED](https://cdn.magzter.com/1583503328/1717373091/articles/iN1lXDap71717391859314/MIDDLE-STUMPED.jpg)
GARETH SOUTHGATE knows the clock is ticking.
The England manager has to trim his Euros squad down to 26 on Saturday and there is less than a fortnight until the first group match with Serbia on Sunday, June 16.
And yet there are question marks in central defence, at left-back, in central midfield and how to shoehorn both Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden into the starting line-up.
While Jack Grealish (training, right) sweats on his place and Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw remain big injury doubts, the midfield solution is likely to come in the shape of a full-back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will get an audition in midfield across the next two friendlies - with Bosnia and Herzegovina tonight and Iceland on Friday - in the hope that he can solve perhaps the biggest puzzle.
When Southgate picked the training squad last month, the Three Lions boss admitted it was a case of "Declan Rice and who?" with the Liverpool playmaker the most obvious solution.
This story is from the June 03, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the June 03, 2024 edition of Daily Mirror UK.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![ROO EYES PILGRIMS PROGRESS](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/473-2Cef71720161552365/ROO-EYES-PILGRIMS-PROGRESS.jpg)
ROO EYES PILGRIMS PROGRESS
Wayne sets out vision for new role at Plymouth
![I'LL BE BACK FOR MURRA](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/aZIFh5gnu1720161031592/ILL-BE-BACK-FOR-MURRA.jpg)
I'LL BE BACK FOR MURRA
Andy could return to Wimbledon as coach after doubles defeat
![WHO ARE YA?](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/wLh39gCUb1720160866251/WHO-ARE-YA.jpg)
WHO ARE YA?
England captain George brushes off Kiwi mind games
![LANDO CAN HIT THE BULLSEYE](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/rBPBBvCdH1720160516167/LANDO-CAN-HIT-THE-BULLSEYE.jpg)
LANDO CAN HIT THE BULLSEYE
Luking good for Norris to arrow in on home-soil win
![Poisoned my dad..then stabbed Mum](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/l-EDf6OJW1720159165029/POISONED-MY-DADTHEN-STABBED-MUM.jpg)
Poisoned my dad..then stabbed Mum
Killer daughter lived alongside her parents' bodies for four years
![DEVASTATION](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/Xxxq9RD481720159031096/DEVASTATION.jpg)
DEVASTATION
Navy sends warship as Hurricane Beryl leaves trail of death across Caribbean
![Hospital probe into Prem star's death](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/Sa8VuMAIl1720158918930/HOSPITAL-PROBE-INTO-PREM-STARS-DEATH.jpg)
Hospital probe into Prem star's death
Trust to look at diagnosis care &
![Jay mum: We just may never know..](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/iwj1Srynj1720158770596/JAY-MUM-WE-JUST-MAY-NEVER-KNOW.jpg)
Jay mum: We just may never know..
She hits out amid wild rumours
![Peace talks hope despite missile blitz](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/NS0obf0c31720158646487/PEACE-TALKS-HOPE-DESPITE-MISSILE-BLITZ.jpg)
Peace talks hope despite missile blitz
Israel says negotiations can restart
![Swiss HQ a haven of tranquillity as team prepare for England](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/21043/1755403/ElHr3tFf31720158402067/SWISS-HQ-A-HAVEN-OF-TRANQUILLITY-AS-TEAM-PREPARE-FOR-ENGLAND.jpg)
Swiss HQ a haven of tranquillity as team prepare for England
NO police, no security and no helmets. Switzerland's players are superrelaxed ahead of Saturday's Euros clash with England.