Gareth Southgate has some tough selection choices to make heading into Euro 2020.
England have one of their strongest squads in years and have a real shot at winning the competition.
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International football fans will be counting down the days as the European Championship is just around the corner.
Southgate has been experimenting with different line-ups in friendlies against Austria and Romania and it’s still not known what his preferred starting 11 is.
After a successful 2018 World Cup campaign that saw them make it to the semi-finals England move into the Euro 2020 as one of the favourites.
The Three Lions face Croatia in the first of their group stage matches on Sunday, June 13 at 2pm, and it’s an important game with both teams expected to make it to the knockout stages.
But bearing in mind the injury situation, Southgate has doubts over Harry Maguire, Jordan Henderson, and Bukayo Saka, it’s a tough selection.
So, here at talkSPORT we’ve take a look at the XI he could pick.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
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Pickford will remain as England’s no. 1 keeper at the Euros.
The Everton goalkeeper enjoyed a great World Cup showing, with several key performances helping the Three Lions progress to the semi-finals.
Pickford’s penalty heroics against Colombia won’t be forgotten and Southgate will surely keep him between the sticks.
With Dean Henderson and Sam Johnstone both enjoying good seasons his position could be up for grabs if he does make a mistake.
Defence: Kieran Trippier, John Stones, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw
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Injury concerns are the only thing holding back England’s defence.
Trent Alexander-Arnold suffered an unfortunate injury that will keep him out of Euro 2020, while Harry Maguire is only just recovering from a long term ankle injury.
Southgate is known to be keen on his defenders and, controversially, originally selected four right-backs, leaving out Jesse Lingard and James Ward-Prowse in the process.
Trippier will most likely be the pick of the bunch after winning a league title with Atletico Madrid and the defender will be looked at to provide quality set pieces.
Stones has enjoyed a fantastic season at Manchester City next to Ruben Dias, and would be the ideal defender if Southgate opts for his team to pass from the back.
Mings is quickly becoming one of Southgate’s favourites and is a player he can depend on to give his all on the pitch, while the fact he’s naturally left-footed and offers a big aerial threat in both boxes is a help.
Midfield: Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Jack Grealish,
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England are blessed with several quality midfield options and this could be the key to their success.
Mount will likely be one of the first names on the sheet after proving his quality this season at Chelsea, winning a Champions League trophy along the way.
With Henderson’s fitness a big question mark Rice will most likely play in a defensive role, allowing Grealish to attack and cause havoc in the middle of the park.
Grealish has looked great in the past two friendlies for England he should have done enough to force himself into the starting squad.
Attack: Phil Foden, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford
Leading the line for the Three Lions will be Kane and the Tottenham striker will have all eyes on him this summer.
The goal machine has been heavily linked with a move, but will have to drown out the transfer talk at Euro 2020 as he is the nation’s most important player.
Foden has risen into stardom this season and at just 21 years old he was one of Manchester City’s best players as they did the domestic double and got to a Champions League final.
Against Romania, Rashford played his first game as England captain and he celebrated the occasion by scoring the winning goal from the penalty spot.
The Manchester United forward has 41 international caps to his name at the age of 23, and his versatility will provide more attacking options next to Harry Kane.
England XI to face Croatia…
talkSPORT and talkSPORT 2 will have live commentary of EVERY game of Euro 2020. You won’t miss a thing as we bring you round the clock coverage, reaction and analysis from June 11-July 11. Listen online HERE.
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