England’s fringe players will get a chance to impress on Thursday night as the Three Lions take on Republic of Ireland in a friendly – live on talkSPORT.
With two UEFA Nations League matches around the corner, and a lot of criticism about the hectic international schedule, we can expect a shed load of rotation for the three upcoming matches.
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In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if Gareth Southgate names two completely different XIs this week, using the Republic of Ireland friendly as an experiment before the more important clash with Belgium on Sunday.
That’s how the last international break worked, with a host of new faces selected to face Wales before the usual suspects returned to face Belgium.
One player who shone brightly during against Wales was Jack Grealish, but that didn’t translate into an opportunity in the following games that mattered.
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Southgate will almost certainly give the Aston Villa star a run out against Republic of Ireland, the nation which he rejected in favour of playing for England.
Elsewhere, Phil Foden could be given a chance to redeem himself after being recalled to the squad following his misbehaviour in Iceland.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin will probably lead the line in order to give Harry Kane a rest, while Harry Winks is likely to be used in midfield due to his lack of game time in recent weeks.
Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse was likely to earn another chance following some exceptional form in the Premier League – and it’s no secret Southgate is a massive fan of his former England Under-21 captain.
However, he’s been forced to withdraw and been replaced by Borussia Dortmund wonderkid Jude Bellingham, who could become England’s third youngest debutant behind Wayne Rooney and Theo Walcott.
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Bukayo Saka and Reece James have established themselves as first-team regulars for Arsenal and Chelsea respectively, Southgate will be keen for them to make a similar breakthrough at international level, especially with their suitability to his wing-back formation.
It’s been a back-three every time for England in recent matches: we expect Tyrone Mings, Conor Coady, and Michael Keane to feature, with Manchester United’s Dean Henderson getting a chance in goal.
How England could line-up against Republic of Ireland
You can listen to commentary of England v Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Thursday, November 12 at 8pm, live on talkSPORT
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