England boss Gareth Southgate has hinted he will resist making major changes to his side for the Euro 2024 last 16 clash against Slovakia on Sunday night.
The Three Lions underwhelmed in the group stage of the competition with Southgate facing calls to make changes to his side with Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer impressing off the bench in Tuesday’s goalless draw with Slovenia.
Victory over Slovakia on Sunday will set up a quarter-final clash against Switzerland, who eliminated Italy on Saturday with a very impressive 2-0 win.
Luke Shaw has still not featured for England in Germany having not played any football since March when he suffered a hamstring injury.
While the Manchester United star was back in first-team training this week, Southgate confirmed at a press conference on Saturday he will not start on Sunday.
‘Luke Shaw wouldn’t be available to start but we’ll have a chat with the medical team and see whether he can play a part or if he could do with a bit more training,’ Southgate said.
Kieran Trippier meanwhile has been dealing with a calf problem during the competition with Phil Foden briefly returning to England this week for the birth of his third child, returning to Germany on Thursday night.
Southgate confirmed both Trippier and Foden are available for Sunday.
Calls for Mainoo and Palmer to feature have grown throughout the week with reports suggesting the Manchester United star is set to come into midfield alongside Declan Rice.
But the England boss suggested it would be unwise to ‘throw everything out the window’ as he mulls over his starting XI.
‘I think a team is never quite as poor as people might think and never quite as good as people might think,’ Southgate said.
‘You’re probably about five per cent off where you’d like to be. Therefore you’ve got to be careful not to throw everything out the window and lose things you’re doing well and lose continuity and the confidence that comes with players playing together and the understanding that comes with those moments.
‘You have to ignore external advice and be assured in what you’re doing.
‘Equally, we have had some players come in and have an impact from the bench. Our subs in all the matches have had a big impact and we are mindful people are pushing for places. We need that strength in depth.
‘The squad is training well. That’s pushing the starting team that’s been in place but also the other players have to be ready, tomorrow you might need there might be five or six changes. For us, it’s important than when players come on, they perform.’