England vs. Switzerland: Harry Kane rested, Eric Dier to be captain

England vs. Switzerland

• When: tonight
• Where: King Power Stadium, Leicester
• Kick-off time: 8pm
• TV channel: live on Sky Sports

England captain Harry Kane will be left out of tonight’s international friendly match against Switzerland in Leicester.

Tottenham striker Kane, who won the World Cup golden boot, will miss the clash at the King Power Stadium as England head coach Gareth Southgate offers opportunities to his fringe and young players.

The BBC reports that Southgate could make as many as nine changes to the team that lost 2-1 against Spain on Saturday. Kane’s Spurs teammate Eric Dier is expected to be captain.

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asked why Kane was being rested, Southgate told Sky Sports that it was important to provide rest for players of his calibre, especially as there was only a short break after the World Cup and no pre-season, which meant that players were back earlier than usual.

“We talked a bit after the World Cup about the demands of the modern player,” he explained. “Everybody has got to play a part in that but the clubs own the player and they have got to do the right thing for themselves.

“Normally we have not got opposing objectives and the clubs would be holding their breath and hiding behind their sofas watching our teams go out.

“But this is one of those occasions where what we want to look at with our squad ties in with doing the right thing with the players for our long-term benefit. So I thought this is a good opportunity to do it.”

The Three Lions are currently on a three-match losing streak, and have never lost four matches in a row.

England team news

Sky Sports reports that Jack Butland, James Tarkowski, Danny Rose, Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fabian Delph, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Danny Welbeck may start against the Swiss.

Leicester City duo Ben Chilwell and Demarai Gray, who have been called up from the under-21s squad, may make their senior debuts at their home stadium.

Spurs midfielder Dele Alli and Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw left the England camp after picking up injuries.

How to watch on TV

The England vs. Switzerland friendly will be live on Sky Sports Main Event. Coverage starts at 7pm and the match kicks off at 8pm.