England resume their Euro 2020 campaign on Saturday night when they travel to Rome to face Ukraine in the quarter-finals.
Andriy Shevchenko has a very tough and disciplined squad that earned passes to the last eight with a fantastically dramatic victory over Sweden last time, with the permission of Artem Dovbyk’s 120th minute winner. But Gareth Southgate’s men will go into the tie as solid favorites.
England have so far won three of their four Euro 2020 matches and have not let anyone in along the way. In the quarterfinals, they managed a historic result and defeated Germany in a knockout match in a major tournament for the first time in 55 years. Now they face Ukraine in an attempt to make the semifinals in back-to-back major tournaments.
Here is the England lineup that can begin.
Jordan Pickford set up another brilliant show against Germany / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
Jordan Pickford (GK) – Fantastic with his feet as well as making some decisive stops in the victory over Germany – he just continues to perform for his nation.Kyle Walker (CB) – Was on high alert during the 16th round and also showed great use of the ball. Has earned his place in the team.
John Stones (CB) – Another strong performance last time only strengthened its place in start XI. Started every game so far and should continue to do so.Harry Maguire (CB) – Looked stronger than ever against Germany and has a clear will for this huge opportunity. Colossal against Die Mannschaften’s world – class striker and does not look like letting anything pass him by right now.
The wingbacks were excellent against Germany / John Sibley – Pool / Getty Images
Kieran Trippier (RWB) – Given how well England played with three at the back last time, Southgate was able to continue with the system. Trippier was a threat with his high position all the time and performed his tasks perfectly.
Declan Rice (CM) – Still looks a bit passive in possession but mostly solid and seems to be a preferred choice for Southgate.
Kalvin Phillips (CM) – Have still not missed a second of action in England’s Euro 2020 campaign and will surely be shown again. Showed bite, perseverance and a will to make things happen from the depths towards Germany – the reason why the country has come to love him.
Luke Shaw (LWB) – Sensational in the second half against Die Mannschaft and played a huge role in both goals – assisting the first. Deserves to keep his place on the side as much as anyone else.
Will these two start together on Saturday? / Neil Hall – Pool / Getty Images
Raheem Sterling (RW) – No one has increased more for England than Sterling throughout this tournament. A real hero on the Three Lions trip and with his three goals scored, his place is well and safe.
Harry Kane (ST) – Finally, more glimpses of what he can do against Germany and eventually scored his first goal in Euro 2020 late. Let’s hope he’s just started and is ready to burst into life.Jack Grealish (LW) – A real battle track here. He came against the Germans and made an immediate impact, with a big hand in both goals – grabbed a great assist for Kane’s strike – and, with a potentially very rigid, organized and deep-seated Ukraine side, his burst of creativity between in the last third can required to break down Shevchenko’s law.
