England manager Gareth Southgate could make two changes ahead of the Three Lions’ crunch semi-final clash with Denmark on Wednesday evening. The changes may come as something of a surprise after the 4-0 hammering of Ukraine, but the Danes have looked mightily impressive so far at Euro 2020. Express Sport analyses what the England side could look like as Southgate and his men attempt to reach an historic final.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Alvaro Morata’s goal against Italy on Tuesday night ensured that Pickford will win the Euro 2020 Golden Glove, no matter what happens from here on out.
His hot-headed nature has drawn criticism in the past, but when his performances are there to back it up as they have been, Pickford’s passion for the cause is infectious.
After intense debate surrounding who would start the tournament in goal, England have now kept seven consecutive clean sheets – needless to say that the critics have been silenced.
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Defence: Kieran Trippier, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw
It is common knowledge that Gareth Southgate has an embarrassment of riches at right-back.
Trippier and Kyle Walker have been his two favourites so far this summer, although the classy Atletico Madrid defender is set to get the nod this time round at the Man City man’s expense.
Stones and Maguire have looked phenomenal in recent matches, physically imposing themselves on the game and showing no fear in dribbling the ball into midfield.
Shaw is set to complete the quartet, the powerful runner who assisted two goals in four quarter-final minutes and one of the players England will undoubtedly rely on to drive the team forward.
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Defensive midfield: Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice
Ever since the first whistle against Croatia, this pair have been rock solid.
Phillips’ passing range is phenomenal and, just like his partner Rice, he needs no invitation to get stuck into a tackle or engage in a midfield battle.
Rice’s performances have drawn interest from a number of top Premier League clubs, and it is no wonder.
Despite the pair playing with the threat of suspension hanging over their head due to yellow cards, they have shown tremendous courage and maturity beyond their years.
Attacking midfield: Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount, Raheem Sterling
Saka is a player who many felt would struggle to see much game time this tournament with the likes of Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Jadon Sancho waiting in the wings.
However, every time the teenager puts on an England shirt he seems to light up the game. For this reason, Southgate is poised to tell Sancho to make way for the Arsenal man.
Mount has been a long-term favourite of Southgate thanks to his tireless work-rate and sharpness around the box.
Sterling, meanwhile, was out of form at the end of the domestic season but has come back with a bang, scoring all of England’s first three goals in the tournament before the captain finally kicked into gear.
Striker: Harry Kane
In captain Kane, the Three Lions have one of the best strikers in Europe.
Early on in the tournament, it felt as though the Spurs front-man was struggling to find his true role in a side crammed full of creative playmakers.
In the latter stages against Germany, however, the 27-year-old finally found the net and things have only got better from there.
After a brace against Ukraine, the imperious Kane is gaining a momentum. The last thing Denmark want to face is Southgate’s talisman with the bit between his teeth.
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