Gareth Southgate is likely to make just one change to his England side for this evening’s Euro 2024 last-16 clash against Slovakia.
England were thoroughly underwhelming in the group phase of the European Championships with the Three Lions boss resisting the urge to make major changes to the side across those three games.
After sticking with the same XI against Serbia and Denmark, Conor Gallagher replaced Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield for the final group match against Slovenia. That plan was abandoned by half-time with Kobbie Mainoo brought on for the second half, injecting some life into England’s otherwise passive display.
It has been widely reported that the Manchester United star will keep his place in the side and start alongside Declan Rice on Sunday evening in Gelsenkirchen.
It has also been claimed that despite England’s attack failing to click into gear thus far in Germany, Southgate is prepared to keep faith in his options of Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden with Harry Kane leading the line-up front.
That would likely mean no starting role for Cole Palmer. The Chelsea star came off the bench after 70 minutes for his first appearance of the competition against Slovenia and like Mainoo, immediately looked a threat after adding some much-needed invention in the attacking third.
But the 23-year-old may have to wait for his opportunity off the bench again, along with Anthony Gordon.
The Newcastle United star, who was left with a nasty cut on his chin after coming off his bike at England’s training camp on Thursday, shone in the little time he had on the pitch against Slovenia and will be hoping for another chance tonight.
Elsewhere, Luke Shaw has returned to first-team training but Southgate has confirmed the Manchester United is not in contention to start – although an appearance off the bench is being considered.
That means Kieran Trippier is set to continue at left-back, having started all three matches in Germany in that role so far.
Predicted England team to face Slovakia
Starting XI: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier, Rice, Mainoo, Saka, Bellingham, Foden, Kane
Predicted starting XI for England’s last 16 clash with Slovakia.
Southgate has an array of options he could utilise off the bench but is wary of ‘throwing everything out the window’ despite calls from former England internationals to freshen up his side.
‘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.
WHO COULD ENGLAND PLAY IN THE QUARTER-FINAL AND SEMI-FINAL?
If England beat Slovakia, they will play Switzerland in the Euro 2024 quarter-final on July 6.
Potential semi-final opponents: Romania, Netherlands, Austria or Turkey
‘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 to be five or six changes. For us, it’s important than when players come on, they perform.’
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