England face the Czech Republic in their final Euro 2020 group stage on Tuesday night and know that anything but defeat will secure them a place in the knockout phase.
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Manager Gareth Southgate may have some important staff decisions to make after a disappointing and rather weak performance against Scotland in the last match, with England fans demanding that more of the squad’s attacking talent be given a chance.
Here’s a look at the beginning XI Southgate can choose …
Harry Maguire has a chance to start after missing the first two games of the group stage / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA / Getty Images
Jordan Pickford (GK): Still to concede a goal in England’s opening two games and made a particularly important save to keep it that way against Scotland last time.
Kyle Walker (RB): Can return to start XI in favor of Reece James.
John Stones (CB): Hit the post against the shots and was now able to resume his partnership with Harry Maguire 2018 after having played with Tyrone Mings so far.
Harry Maguire (CB): Having not played since the beginning of May due to ankle ligament difficulties, this was earmarked as the game the Manchester United skipper was able to return even before the tournament began.
Luke Shaw (LB): is expected to retain his place after coming on the side in place of Kieran Trippier, who had started the Croatia game from his favorite position.
Jordan Henderson is believed to have recovered from the groin injury that has kept him out since / Catherine Ivill / Getty Images
Jordan Henderson (CM): The Liverpool captain has not played a competitive game since February due to injury, but there have been positive rumors from the England camp about his recovery and fitness and now it may be time to replace Kalvin Phillips, who was bad against Scotland.
Declan Rice (CM): Fills an important role at the base of the midfield. The problem so far has been that England lacked creativity in key areas with a Rice / Phillips partnership.
Mason Mount (AM): Still have the same impact for England as he did for Chelsea at the end of the club season, but now it’s time to take the plunge.
Could Jack Grealish finally get the start that England fans long for? / Visionhaus / Getty Images
Marcus Rashford (RW): Has only appeared as a replacement in England’s opening two games, although that rest may have done him good after a hectic end to his club season.
Harry Kane (ST): So far a shadow of the player who scored six goals at the 2018 World Cup and walked away with the Golden Boot. But the responsibility for his lack of touch and commitment to Scotland also lies with the rest of the team. Southgate have already confirmed he will start.
Jack Grealish (LW): Like Rashford, the Aston Villa talisman has not yet started a game at Euro 2020, but his half-hour como against Scotland showed that he has the potential to make a real difference.
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