Why England don't have to axe Raheem Sterling to play Marcus Rashford this weekend

Considering his reaction to the supposed team leak, we can assume Gareth Southgate has just made the biggest decision of his managerial career yet.

Sterling out, Rashford in. The public seemingly have what they desire. If the England boss’ plan hadn’t just been rumbled with an image of their training sheet hitting the papers, he would haven’t have bothered with his pop at the press.

The Manchester City player divides a nation. A swell of public support after the overreaction to the gun tattoo, it appeared his treatment had swung general opinion in his favour.

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The stage was set for him to compete his rehabilitation and even work his way into English hearts against Tunisia, but like so often in his country’s colours he went missing.

The facts don’t lie. Nearly three years without an international goal isn’t good enough, not when he has been banging them in for fun for his club. Not when he has that much talent.

In there lies the problem. England’s formation isn’t structured to his strengths, but Panama offers the chance to try – and to satisfy the nation’s thirst for Rashford at the same time. A goal for Sterling and we will see a player reborn.

England do not need to play with three central defenders on Sunday. It’s a formation which works, but not one this weekend which is required. A flat back four offers Southgate the chance to work with that three-man attack, Sterling on his preferred right, Harry Kane centrally and Rashford on the left.

Manchester United fans will remember how devastating the striker is in that position, hanging off Romelu Lukaku against Liverpool at Old Trafford when he was let off the leash.

What else needs to change? There’s little point in risking Dele Alli, and for Ruben Loftus-Cheek this could be a game changer. It’s the top heavy approach that England need again team which need to be overan and not pandered to.

Southgate could do worse than rest Jordan Henderson, impressive against Tunisia but a player whose season was extended by Champions League commitments. Eric Dier or Fabian Delph are both more than capable.

That leaves one change at the back. With a four, a centre-half needs to drop. All good on the ball which is important to break down a side who won’t do much in the way of attacking, but taking Kyle Walker out of the firing line could be the answer.