Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how England could line up for Tuesday’s Euro 2024 Group C clash with Slovenia.
England manager Gareth Southgate once again looks set to be working without Luke Shaw for the Three Lions’ final Euro 2024 Group C match against Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday.
It has been over four months since the injury-plagued Manchester United defender last appeared in a competitive fixture, and he is still being restricted to individual training due to his muscle injury.
Southgate memorably described Shaw as a “long shot” for the Euros before calling him up anyway, but the left-back is certainly now a long shot for this game, although all other 25 players should be good to go.
While Joe Gomez and Ezri Konsa can do a job at left-back, Kieran Trippier – now on 50 caps for the national team – should reprise his role alongside Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones and the impressive Marc Guehi.
Declan Rice is of course a midfield certainty, but there are question marks over his partner, as Trent Alexander-Arnold‘s stint in midfield has not gone as planned; the Liverpool man lasted just 54 minutes in the recent draw with Denmark before being hooked for Conor Gallagher.
The Chelsea man would normally be the first port of call, but Southgate may take into account that he is one yellow card away from a ban and instead drop Jude Bellingham into a deeper position alongside Rice.
Such an approach would allow Phil Foden to operate in a central area and leave the left-wing duties to either Eberechi Eze or Anthony Gordon, the latter of whom may just edge out his Crystal Palace counterpart.
Bukayo Saka‘s spot on the right is safe, though, as is Harry Kane‘s slot up front, despite suggestions that Ollie Watkins could threaten the captain’s place in the XI.
England possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Bellingham, Rice; Saka, Foden, Gordon; Kane
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