GARETH SOUTHGATE hopes to see his side return to winning ways when they take on the Czech Republic with Harry Kane eager to open his scoring account.
The Three Lions will look to beat their opponents and leapfrog them to the top of the table in their final encounter before the Euros knockout stages.
Their Wembley clash can be watched on ITV and ITV2 at 8pm.
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What’s the form?
A win for Gareth Southgate at Wembley could see his side avoid a last-16 duel with 2018 World Cup winners France, should Didier Deschamp’s men defeat Portugal next.
But England, who beat Croatia before registering a lacklustre 0-0 draw with Scotland, could end up facing a resurgent Germany or Portugal.
The Three Lions have scored once via Raheem Sterling in their first two games with Southgate coming in criticism for his team’s goalless draw with Scotland and Harry Kane’s misfiring performance.
The England captain was unable to get a shot on target against Steve Clarke’s side.
And Southgate has come under pressure to make creative changes with some pundits calling for the introduction of Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho.
And the absence of Mason Mount could force the Three Lions gaffer’s hand.
The Chelsea star is having to self-isolate after coming into close contact with Scotland ace Billy Gilmour following his positive Covid-19 test result.
You’ve only got to look at his (Harry Kane’s) goalscoring record with us to see his importance to the team.
Gareth Southgate
Meanwhile, the Czech Republic will be looking to pick up their second win of the tournament with frontman Patrick Schick in fine form netting three goals in his side’s two opening games.
The team notched up a 2-0 opening win against Scotland before drawing 1-1 with Croatia.
Who’s in and who’s out?
Gareth Southgate could opt to play Jack Grealish with the possibility of a suspension facing Phil Foden should he receive a yellow card.
And the England boss could look to make changes to his full-backs with Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker potentially returning in place of Reece James and Luke Shaw.
Meanwhile Jaroslav Silhavy is thought to be likely to stick with the side that has helped the Czech Republic reach the top of Group D.
West Ham’s Thomas Soucek is expected to remain in midfield with Schick likely to lead his national’s side’s attack.
Watch out for…..
Southgate introducing Jadon Sancho.
It is thought the pace and guile of the Dortmund forward, who registered eight goals and 12 assists in 24 Bundesliga games, could offer England more impetus in attack.
And while it is thought that Harry Maguire is pushing for a start, some reports claim Tyrone Mings and John Stones are likely to retain their spots.
However should Maguire play it could see Southgate opt for a back three.
If the game’s rubbish…..
TV reporter Tereza Kaderabkova, 30, will have her fingers crossed for a win for her husband Pavel Kaderabek and his Czech Republic team-mates.
The football journalist and daughter of a referee swapped her job as model for a career reporting on the game.
And the couple who married in 2017 have two daughters (Ema and Elva) divide their time between the Czech Republic and Germany where Kaderabek plays for Hoffenheim.
Fancy a punt?
Get all your Euro 2020 ante-post tips with our tournament betting guide HERE.
Match odds?
- Marcus Rashford first goalscorer 13/2 @ Betfair
- Czech Republic to win 7/1 @ Paddy Power
- England to win 30/1@ William Hill
*All odds correct at time of publication
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
