England boss Gareth Southgate is set to gamble and select the same starting XI against the USA on Friday. Despite doubts over Harry Kane and Harry Maguire earlier this week, both players are set to start again. Southgate is set to resist the urge of rotating despite a potentially busy schedule ahead and Express Sport is on hand to run through the Three Lions’ side.
Goalkeeper – Pickford
Jordan Pickford couldn’t do much about Iran’s two goals on Monday. He rarely lets England down on the big stage and is well and truly Southgate’s No 1.
Despite conceding twice in the opener, Pickford didn’t have too much action. He could be a lot busier this evening.
Defence – Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw
Maguire is over the illness which caused him to come off in the second half versus Iran. He proved some of his doubters wrong with a strong performance at the back.
Kyle Walker is nearing a return to fitness but is once again set to settle for a place on the bench, with Kieran Trippier at right-back. Stones will partner Maguire in what has become a familiar pairing in tournament football.
Luke Shaw is the only out-and-out left-back and will not lose his spot.
Attack – Saka, Kane, Sterling
Kane had a precautionary scan on his ankle this week but nothing untoward was found. He is the one player England cannot replace in this XI, so his fitness is pivotal to their chances.
Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling are both set to get rewarded with another start following their goalscoring performances on Monday. Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish netted off the bench, while Callum Wilson also impressed.
But both are set to be kept waiting for their first start of the tournament.
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