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HEN FIGHT

World Cup 2018: England stars Jordan Henderson and Eric Dier are fighting for one spot, claims Gareth Southgate

Three Lions chief is planning to use one defensive midfielder - leaving the Liverpool and Tottenham aces to make their cases

JORDAN HENDERSON and Eric Dier face an England World Cup shootout.

Boss Gareth Southgate, whose side take on Costa Rica tonight, will use ONE defensive midfielder at the finals.

Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson are in direct competition for starts
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Eric Dier and Jordan Henderson are in direct competition for startsCredit: Reuters

Asked whether it was between Henderson or Dier, he replied:  “We have to look at that. I think we will only want to play with one pivot.

“It is a key decision, but that’s management isn’t it?

"You either select players, or you choose your system and pick the best people to fit into it.

“They’re the tough calls. I’d be amazed if they aren’t important figures for us during the tournament.

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England are set to play with either Dier or Henderson shielding their defence
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 England are set to play with either Dier or Henderson shielding their defenceCredit: Getty - Contributor
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Gareth Southgate claims both players can get into the side in other positionsCredit: Reuters

"But there is clearly the possibility they might not both play in every match.”

Henderson, given an extended break after Liverpool’s Champions League final defeat, will win his 39th cap tonight and will try to cement his position ahead of Tottenham’s Dier, who has played 26 times for his country.

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Insisting they are both versatile, Southgate added: “Henderson can play as a number eight and Dier can play as a centre-back.

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Jordan Henderson captains Liverpool but lost out to Harry Kane for EnglandCredit: PA:Press Association
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"So they both have another way into the team.”

Southgate is planning changes from Saturday’s 2-1 win over Nigeria, with Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold making his debut.

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