Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how England could line up for Sunday’s Euro 2024 Group C clash with Serbia.
England manager Gareth Southgate appears to have survived a serious virus scare ahead of Sunday’s Euro 2024 Group C opener against Serbia at the Veltins-Arena.
The Three Lions were forced to confine John Stones to his bedroom after the Manchester City man came down with an illness earlier this week, but the spread has ostensibly been contained successfully.
Stones has been in the wars this month – he also tweaked his ankle in the friendly loss to Iceland last Friday – but he is now training normally and is expected to be given the thumbs-up to play on Sunday.
As a result, Southgate is only expected to be without Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw, who is back in full practice four months on from a muscular injury but will understandably not be risked just yet.
Kieran Trippier is therefore set to undertake left-back duties once again, as Stones and Marc Guehi partner up in front of Jordan Pickford due to the crushing absence of Harry Maguire.
As Kyle Walker‘s spot at right-back is safe, Southgate is reportedly planning to keep faith with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield after the Liverpool man excelled centrally in the friendly success over Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Declan Rice is a shoo-in alongside Alexander-Arnold, while Jude Bellingham – who missed both friendly contests after his Champions League coronation – is primed and ready to start in a more advanced midfield position.
The same can be said of Bukayo Saka, who should win his battle with Cole Palmer to occupy the right-wing role, while Bellingham’s return will likely see Phil Foden shifted out to the left in support of record goalscorer Harry Kane.
England possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
> Click here to see how Serbia could line up for this match
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