England manager Gareth Southgate has confirmed he plans to restore some members of Manchester City's Treble-winning squad to his side ahead of Monday night's European Championship qualifier against North Macedonia at Old Trafford.
Phil Foden was the only City player to feature in the Three Lions' comfortable 4-0 win over Malta on Friday evening, stepping off the bench at half-time. The versatile attacker was called upon to replace Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka.
Southgate, however, decided against utilising Kyle Walker, John Stones, Kalvin Phillips and Jack Grealish, giving each of them more recovery time less than a week after City won the Champions League in Istanbul. City's Treble celebrations continued last Monday in Manchester city centre with an open-top bus parade.
But the quartet look set to play at least some part against North Macedonia. The Three Lions have won each of their first three European Championship qualifiers and will be hoping to maintain their 100 per cent record, on a night that will finally mark the end of a long and demanding 2022/23 campaign.
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"It is always difficult picking a team because we have some depth and players who have all trained well, all presenting well, all available," said Southgate. "Looking at the opposition, the best way to win a game and the attributes we need so it is not an easy decision.
"They (the City contingent) are very talented, important players for us. We have looked at the opposition as well, making sure we get the balance of our team right. We are pleased to be bringing a team to Manchester. The team is for all of the country not just the south."
England have been Italy, Ukraine and Malta in their qualifying campaign so far, scoring eight goals and conceding just once. North Macedonia, meanwhile, have won one and lost one of their first two matches.
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