Gareth Southgate is expected to make the changes for England’s European Championship 2020 match against Scotland on Friday night, with Reece James and Luke Shaw both likely drafting start XI.
The Three Lions chief’s team sheet for his team’s first outing of the tournament against Croatia included some surprise picks, with Kieran Trippier placed to the left of a back four and Kyle Walker on the opposite side.
Many had expected James to become England’s first-back since his star season with Chelsea, while Shaw was rumored to be used to the left of a back-three. However, no one played a role in the opening game.
England face Scotland on Friday night knowing that a victory will guarantee their place in the knockout rounds and The Telegraph reports that both James and Shaw will get their first start of the tournament.
Southgate hinted that he could make sure to adjust his starting XI when asked about his preparations for Friday’s game, although he also added that he is keen to reward the players who performed so well in England’s European Championship 2020 opener last Sunday. .
“Definitely [the team will be chosen based on the opposition], each opponent plays in a different style and has a tactically different approach, he tells reporters. “Scotland has played back three for most of their games and of course they can change, but you prepare with that in mind.
Gareth Southgate has some big decisions to make / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
“The spaces with the ball are also different, so it is always the balance that we have a good group.
“We want to engage people in the tournament, we have to show confidence in them. But even when you have won, it’s something to reward players for that achievement and maintain continuity and those are the decisions I have to make before the game.”
Southgate has a new defensive selection dilemma ahead of them with Harry Maguire who is now back in full training after a long injury layoff.
The Manchester United man has not played for more than a month since taking up an ankle injury against Aston Villa in early May, although it is unlikely he will be at risk on Friday night with Tyrone Mings expected to replace him again.
