Gareth Southgate breaks silence on decision which could impact Leeds United

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola recently called to increase to the number of substitutes Premier League clubs are allowed to make during matches.

The duo have been critical of the Premier League this season for not looking after the players following the switch back to a maximum of three substitutes.

The switch saw a return to the policy implemented during last season’s Project Restart to combat fatigue and injury during a hectic return to football following lockdown.

Many of Europe’s top leagues, including Serie A and La Liga, have taken up the option given by football’s rule-making body, the International Football Association Board.

And just today, EFL clubs have voted to allow teams five substitutions per match, starting on Friday in the Championship game between Coventry and Birmingham.

But Premier League clubs voted down a motion by 11 votes to nine to keep the rule for the 2020/21 season, but that hasn’t stopped the debate about the rule’s re-implementation.

England stars Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell have all picked up injuries during this round of international fixtures.

Indeed, Southgate has echoed calls from some top-flight bosses for a return to the five substitute rule.

"We were able to make five changes against Belgium, we made four in the end and clubs don't have that option," he told reporters.

"What will it take for that to change? There were a couple of less serious injuries against Belgium but what do we do? Wait until we get a load of really nasty ones?"

Southgate explained he had been forced to alter his training schedule and gave his players extra recovery days as England attempt to reach the Nations League finals.

"I have to be fair to the club managers. They are their players firstly and they have the right to play them as they see fit," he added.

"(Injuries are) a worry in the longer term because with no winter break, something has to give."

England host Iceland on Wednesday in their final Nations League group stage game.