Southgate should have held his breath as key defender John Stones lay on the Wembley turf early on after an Iceland participant fell on his ankle, an issue which finally noticed him changed by Ezri Konsa at half-time.
Together with his long-time central defensive associate Harry Maguire dominated out of Euro 2024 with damage, the very last thing Southgate and his susceptible rearguard want is an issue for a participant on who a lot will relaxation in Germany.
Stones truly might have achieved higher for Iceland’s purpose however there was a component of rust about his efficiency, and that of a variety of Southgate’s stalwarts, meaning they regarded wanting the type of match sharpness they’ll want in opposition to Serbia.
He has solely performed 15 sport and 1,073 minutes for Manchester Metropolis in 2024 and will have achieved with taking part in 90 untroubled minutes right here to hone that health.
As an alternative, Southgate shall be hoping the knock he took shouldn’t be critical for a participant who has had his share of accidents. Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi seems a possible starter in opposition to Serbia. Southgate will pray Stones is alongside him.
Kieran Trippier additionally regarded off the tempo at left-back, a place which continues to be one thing of a headache for Southgate with Luke Shaw making progress having not have performed since early February.
Trippier is 34 in September and has suffered with accidents and lack of kind this season. He has performed solely 13 video games and 931 minutes for his membership this yr – and it confirmed. If he’s to begin at left-back in opposition to Serbia, it would nonetheless be with query marks in opposition to his title.