Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how England could line up for Sunday’s Euro 2024 clash with Slovakia.
England‘s enter Euro 2024‘s last 16 on Sunday evening, when they meet Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen, seeking a fresh start after their sluggish group-stage displays.
Gareth Southgate will again ponder his attacking riches and lament a lack of natural width on the Three Lions’ left flank, as he tries to produce a winning formula to take his nation into another quarter-final.
The latter issue may ultimately be aided by left-back Luke Shaw returning to full fitness, but even though the Manchester United man has returned to training after being sidelined for several months by a hamstring injury, Kieran Trippier will most likely shake off a calf problem to fill in once again.
Trippier joined Declan Rice in working separately from the main squad earlier this week, but both should be fit to start within Southgate’s familiar 4-2-3-1 formation.
Much touted by pundits to displace Phil Foden on the left wing, Anthony Gordon has sustained several cuts and bruises due to a bike accident, but he is expected to take a place on the bench.
Foden made a quick trip home for the birth of his child, missing a recovery session and some training, so it cannot be ruled out that either Gordon or Cole Palmer could come into the starting XI that struggled to a 0-0 draw with Slovenia.
The identity of Rice’s partner in central midfield provides Southgate’s greatest selection headache, as neither Conor Gallagher nor Trent Alexander-Arnold have impressed in the so-called ‘Kalvin Phillips role’.
Therefore, Kobbie Mainoo may be trusted to start following his breakthrough season at club and international level, adding precision and bite to England’s stuttering engine room.
Up front, captain and all-time top scorer Harry Kane will seek his first goal at a finals held in his adopted homeland, with Premier League stars Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney again consigned to the bench.
England possible starting lineup: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Mainoo, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
> Click here to see how Slovakia could line up for this last-16 contest
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