There is one last chance for England’s Euro 2024 hopefuls to impress the Three Lions when they take on Iceland at Wembley on Friday night.
Change will be swift for Gareth Southgate as the England manager will field his final 26-man squad for the tournament after Friday’s friendly before an official announcement is made the following day.
England’s camp kicked off with a 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday with Crystal Palace stars Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze impressing. However, with their Euro 2024 opener just a week away, Southgate will call up a strong XI at Wembley to allow his Germany starters to get back into their rhythm.
Here’s how the Three Lions could play against Iceland on Friday.
GK: Jordan Pickford – While it would be nice to give one of the options a run-out, Pickford will play every minute at Euro 2024 and could keep his place on Friday night.
RB: Kyle Walker – The veteran right-back has been a key figure during Southgate’s reign, playing in a number of roles. Walker is expected to take on the traditional role at fullback this summer.
CB: John Stones – Minutes will be important for Stones on Friday given the first season he has endured. The fullback was not available on Monday night.
CB: Marc Guehi – Harry Maguire remains an injury doubt, so Guehi, who is free on the left side of defence, should keep his place.
LB: Joe Gomez – With Luke Shaw facing a race against time to be fit for the start of the tournament, left-back is England’s problem area. There is no natural alternative, but Gomez made many starts down the left for Liverpool last season.
CM: Trent Alexander-Arnold – One of the standouts at St James’ Park, Alexander-Arnold certainly has too much talent to ignore. Kobbie Mainoo and Wharton should also get minutes.
CM: Declan Rice – The Arsenal midfielder will be without Kalvin Phillips by his side this summer, meaning Rice will take on greater importance as a reinforcement for England.
RW: Bukayo Saka – Saka hit the mark in the camp and did not feature against Bosnia. However, the Arsenal defender was spotted in training ahead of Friday’s game and should be fit for at least 45 minutes.
AM: Jude Bellingham – Real Madrid’s new 15th Champions League success, expected in Bellingham this summer. He will ease into a busy period starting on Friday but it won’t take more than an hour.
LW: Phil Foden – Foden also did not feature on Monday, so he should come into the side at Wembley. Like Bellingham, the Manchester City star is expected to promote Germany’s Three Lions.
ST: Harry Kane – Kane revived his back injury to get minutes off the bench against Bosnia and the captain sealed England’s victory with a poaching effort late on. The striker will be looking to add to his goal tally on Friday.
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