‘My understanding’: Sky journalist says Chelsea player won’t start for England against Scotland tonight

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Chelsea defender Ben Chilwell is not expected to start for England in their friendly against Scotland tonight.

According to Sky Sports journalist Rob Dorsett, Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier is set to get the nod ahead of Ben Chilwell.

As relayed by Football Daily, Dorsett said: “We talked about Kieran Trippier the last couple of days because he was in the pre-match news conference last night that we brought to you on Sky Sports News. That’s always a clear indication that Trippier is looking likely he’s going to start for England tonight.

“But of course, he plays left-back, he plays right-back, so where’s he going to play tonight? My understanding is that he’s likely to start at left-back with Kyle Walker keeping his place at right-back.”

While it looks like Chilwell will have to settle for a place on the bench at Hampden Park, he at least got to start in the Three Lions’ 1-1 draw with Ukraine over the weekend, which was a qualifier for Euro 2024.

While the 26-year-old is a left-back by trade, he has been playing in a more attacking position for Chelsea this season.

Ben Chilwell not starting could be good news for Chelsea

Chilwell has picked up a couple of serious injuries in the past two campaigns, so it is important that his workload is managed.

The last thing Mauricio Pochettino will want is for the England international to be sidelined, especially with the Argentine already having a host of players currently unavailable.

Chilwell’s Three Lions team-mate Reece James is out injured at the moment, while Christopher Nkunku has had to watch the Blues from the stands this season as well.

When you consider all of the above, then, Chilwell getting some rest tonight could be a good thing.

Hopefully the former Leicester City man comes back to Chelsea fit and fresh and ready to help his side climb the table after their disappointing start to the new season.

Pochettino’s men are looking to bounce back against Bournemouth after their shock 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest just before the international break.