Fikayo Tomori is in line to start for England in Friday’s friendly against Uruguay, with John Stones an injury doubt.
AC Milan defender Tomori, 28, is on standby to start at Wembley in England’s penultimate game before Thomas Tuchel selects his squad for the World Cup.
Stones has a calf injury which was still being assessed on Friday.
When asked whether he would need to be 100% sure of Stones’ fitness to pick him for the World Cup, Tuchel told BBC Sport: “Yes, I guess so, but he came here and he was fit, then he feels something, so if we call him up there might be the chance he maybe misses out on a match at short notice.
“We have other top central defenders, but he can still play a part, with his energy and with his quality, but first of all I want him to be in camp as a player. Let’s see how this camp continues and how it plays out.”
Tomori would win his sixth England cap if he does feature – his last appearance was in a 2-0 win over Malta in 2023.
James Garner will be hoping to make his Three Lions debut against Uruguay, while the experienced Jordan Henderson could help the Everton midfielder’s transition into international football if he is selected.
The Three Lions host Japan on Tuesday in another friendly.
