Wayne Rooney's stranglehold on England's starting XI is over with the captain set to be named on the bench for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier in Slovenia, according to BBC Sport's Simon Stone.
The deep-lying duo in midfield will be Eric Dier, who was an unused substitute in the last outing, and Jordan Henderson, according to Sky Sports. The latter and defender Gary Cahill are the likeliest to inherit the armband from the heavily criticised Rooney.
The Manchester United forward's credentials for inclusion from the first whistle has been a matter of debate in his homeland for some time. His decreased prolificacy in front of goal and subsequent selection in midfield seeming to make the lineup appear off-kilter eventually led to boos from some sections of the England support for Rooney in Saturday's dreary 2-0 win over Malta.
The 30-year-old's 117 caps for England have also coincided with one of the most disappointing eras in the history of the international setup: the "Golden Generation" fronted by Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard which fell below expectations; Rooney's dismissal at the 2006 World Cup for stamping on Ricardo Carvalho; the Scouser's barbed comments about supporters in 2010; the drab tournament eliminations of 2012, 2014, and 2016.
Although harsh, a portion of the Three Lions' support may see Rooney as emblematic of the underachievement from England over the past two decades.
However, considering his status as his country's all-time leading goalscorer and incumbent skipper, his treatment from fans has surprised some - including teammates Henderson and John Stones - but interim manager Gareth Southgate has proven his insistence he has the bravery to make such decisions.
Related - Stones: Rooney's brilliant every time he plays for England
Rooney has one goal in 12 appearances this season, and hasn't started United's last three matches under Mourinho after the Portuguese preferred Juan Mata in the No. 10 slot.
The Everton academy product's next opportunity to secure a starting berth comes in next Monday's clash with hated rival Liverpool at Anfield.