When Jordan Henderson tipped up for media duty on the eve of this match, the world knew he would be starting against Wales.
And England fans on social media, on phone-ins, went into meltdown lite. Not necessarily because they were unappreciative of Henderson’s assets - although there are a good number who aren’t - but because it was widely anticipated he would be replacing Jude Bellingham.
As it happened, Bellingham was also selected but the point is that not a single right-minded fan ever thought Gareth Southgate would demote Declan Rice. The West Ham captain has become such a pillar of this England team that his excellence is almost taken for granted.
