Walker, left, was not used in the defeat by Spain on Saturday

A lack of options in midfield may conspire to leave Gareth Southgate with a pounding headache but the England manager is confronted with problems of a different kind when assessing the right side of his defence and, specifically, the full-back berth.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is expected to start at right back for tonight’s friendly, with Kieran Trippier among a cluster of players rested. Kyle Walker also returns as one of three centre backs, having been overlooked for the 2-1 Nations League defeat by Spain at Wembley at the weekend, when Southgate turned to the fit-again Joe Gomez.

Gomez, the 21-year-old Liverpool defender, is a favourite of the manager and, after his showing against Spain to go with assured cameos against Brazil and Germany last season, he