For England’s match against Slovakia in the Euro 2024 last 16 this evening, Gareth Southgate is probably going to make just one change to his team.
Throughout the three games in the group stage of the European Championship, England was utterly lackluster, and the Three Lions manager refrained from making any significant changes to the team.
Trent Alexander-Arnold was replaced in midfield by Conor Gallagher for the final group game against Slovenia, after the team used the same lineup against Serbia and Denmark. By halftime, that strategy had been abandoned, and Kobbie Mainoo had been brought in to breathe some fire into England’s otherwise lackluster performance.
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.
Follow Metro.co.uk’s live blog for full coverage of England’s Euro 2024 clash vs Slovakia
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 player looked impressive in his little time on the field against Slovenia and will be looking for another opportunity tonight. He suffered a severe gash on his chin at England’s training camp on Thursday after falling off his bike.
Luke Shaw has resumed training with the first squad, although Southgate has stated that Manchester United is not expected to start, albeit a bench role is being discussed.
As a result, Kieran Trippier, who has started the first three games in Germany in that position, is expected to stay at left back.
Predicted England team to face Slovakia
Starting XI: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier, Rice, Mainoo, Saka, Bellingham, Foden, Kane
predicted the starting lineup for England’s match against Slovakia in the round of 16.
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.’