THE field is set, the fixtures are locked in, and Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2020 preparations are hotting up.
While England were routinely sweeping aside Ireland at Wembley, Scotland were overcoming Serbia in a tense battle in Belgrade to seal the final Group D spot alongside the Three Lions.
Southgate could use his three-man central defence
Fans cannot wait for the home nations battle in the capital, with the possibility of supporters returning to the stands making it a mouthwatering prospect.
But who will take to the field at the national stadium on June 18, 2021?
Amid the Mason Mount-Jack Grealish debate, which continues to rumble on after both started the Ireland triumph, SunSport takes a look at how Southgate could line his side up as they aim for European glory.
GOALKEEPER
Jordan Pickford is in the driving seat for the No1 jerseyCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Burnley stopper Nick Pope won his fourth cap against IrelandCredit: EPA
It will surely be Jordan Pickford, won’t it?
Southgate, 50, recently raised eyebrows when he suggested that the Everton stopper has ‘no serious challengers’ to his No1 shirt.
But if he continues to blunder for Everton, with Sweden international Robin Olsen breathing down his neck at Goodison, perhaps Southgate may reevaluate his stance.
Burnley’s Nick Pope would likely be best placed to step in, although worries persist over his kicking.
Dean Henderson would probably need to usurp David de Gea at Manchester United to stand any chance.
Alternatively the England gaffer may return to a back-four
DEFENCE
Eric Dier has returned to the international fold this yearCredit: Reuters
Tyrone Mings and Harry Maguire could play together at the finalsCredit: AP:Associated Press
A back-four, or a back-five? Southgate has toyed with both in the last few years.
In recent times he appears to have returned to the latter, which served him fairly well at the 2018 World Cup.
Harry Maguire is a nailed-on starter if fit, but who partners him could be interesting.
Eric Dier has ample experience playing in a three-man central defence for Tottenham which could serve him well, while Tyrone Mings would provide a nice left-footed option.
Joe Gomez looks likely to be in a race against time to be fit and may miss out, opening the door to Toffees defender Michael Keane to feature.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Chilwell would seem to be stick-ons as the wing-backs – although Reece James is making an impressive case for himself at Chelsea.
Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier may be yesterday’s men as far as the England fold goes.
MIDFIELD
Mount and Grealish both featured alongside Jadon Sancho and Co against IrelandCredit: Reuters
Rice and Henderson offer England a solid baseCredit: Reuters
England really are stacked in the middle of the park.
Declan Rice is only getting better and better at West Ham, while Jordan Henderson continues to be an inspirational figure in the Liverpool engine room.
The pair offer an incredibly stable base.
But, if already using a five-man defence, Southgate may opt to spice things up a touch with another flair player, of which England are not short.
Mason Mount could come in, as a talented, creative option, that also offers up a strong work-rate and willingness to help a backline.
Jack Grealish may feature a little further forward, and could compete with Phil Foden for a No10 slot.
Harry Winks will also be in the mix for a deeper role, while Kalvin Phillips has four caps to his name.
ATTACK
In-form Harry Kane is set to have some top-class serviceCredit: Getty – Contributor
Tammy Abraham has impressed this season for ChelseaCredit: AFP or licensors
Again, Southgate’s options are among the best in Europe.
Skipper Harry Kane is fit and firing, already notching a remarkable 13 goals and ten assists this term.
Who features alongside him is another matter, with Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling most likely in the driving seat.
Marcus Rashford cannot be discounted, however, while Tammy Abraham and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are on fire for their clubs.
Mason Greenwood could yet still provide an excellent wildcard option.
England defender Reece James celebrates his side’s 3-0 win over Ireland at Wembley
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
