Smalling could be brought in at right-back to shore up defence.
Following England’s comfortable 4-0 victory over Moldova on Friday night in their World Cup qualifier, the nation now has a sterner test to face on Tuesday when the side head to Ukraine.
The match in Kiev could make or break the Three Lions’ qualifying campaign and determine whether they travel automatically to the tournament in Brazil or not next summer.
With this in mind manager Roy Hodgson is thinking of changing up the lineup from Friday and Manchester United’s Chris Smalling could be called up ahead of Kyle Walker at right-back.
The Tottenham Hotspur ace is a talented full-back and adds another dimension going forward, but there are still some question marks over the 23-year-old’s defensive capabilities.
Smalling meanwhile, who is as competent at centre-back as the defender is on the flank, is less prone to breaking forward and could be more useful in what is likely to be a close match with the Ukrainians.
It would be a bold call from Hodgson however, with the United man having made just one substitute’s appearance for the Premier League champions this season and that was way back in the Community Shield with Wigan Athletic.
Walker on the other hand has played every match for Spurs in the league – which has included clean-sheets against Crystal Palace and Swansea City – and was also part of the back four that did not concede to Moldova.
With both Glen Johnson and Phil Jones absent through injury, the two 23-year-olds are Hodgson’s only fit options for the match.
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