Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling warned about England places before Euro 2020 opener against Croatia

Darren Bent believes Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling are likely to be some of the biggest casualties when Gareth Southgate names his first England XI of Euro 2020.

The Three Lions boss has the unenviable task of trying to name just 11 players to face Croatia at Wembley on June 13 for their opening game of the rearranged European Championship.

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Jack Grealish played well against Austria, but Darren Bent fears it may not be enough

Although it is a welcome problem to have, consistency and confidence are imperative to success at major tournaments and it could be argued Southgate is still searching to find his best team for the opener.

Of course, injuries and losses of form have undoubtedly played key roles in this and this is no more so true than with Southgate’s attacking options, or lack thereof.

While Premier League top scorer and England captain Harry Kane is one of the first names on the team sheet, deciding who should flank him is less apparent.

Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford have struggled to find consistent form throughout the season in Manchester, while Jack Grealish returned from injury for Aston Villa just before the end of the season.

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Raheem Sterling has been electric since Pep Guardiola arrived at Man City, but stuttered this season

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Marcus Rashford seems exhausted after playing through the pain barrier for United

And former England and Tottenham striker Darren Bent fears none of the aforementioned attacking talents deserve to get into the starting lineup.

“My front three is Foden on the left and Sancho from the right,” Bent said on Drive.

“He [Grealish] doesn’t start for me, as brilliant as he his.

“Because my midfield three would be Rice, Bellingham and Mount – Mount is another one of those players you can trust.

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Captain Kane needs adequate support if he is to fire England to European glory

“He has had a brilliant season, he has earned the right to start and I think he is another one Gareth trusts.”

“He [Sterling], a year ago, was brilliant,” Bent added. “Rashford the same.

“I couldn’t see a front three beyond Kane, Rashford and Sterling – even when they were all fully fit.

“Now, fast forward to where we are now, I can’t see a front three with them in it!”

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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