ENGLAND will revert to a back-five for tonight’s Euro 2020 final against Italy – meaning there is no place for Bukayo Saka, SunSport can reveal.
Gareth Southgate is believed to have selected his side for the biggest game in the nation’s history for 55 years.
Saka is the only player from the semi-final starting XI to miss out, with Kieran Trippier the man to come in.
The line-up will see Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire and John Stones across the back, with Trippier on the right of defence and Luke Shaw at left-back.
Jordan Pickford remains in goal.
England’s own midfield gladiators Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips will play in midfield.
In attack, Harry Kane leads the line.
And supporting him will be Raheem Sterling and Mason Mount.
The shape of the XI is designed to counteract Italy’s tactic of getting their full-backs down the wing.
This won’t be the first time Southgate has used the formation, having done so to brilliant effect against Germany in the Round of 16.
That match saw England emerge as 2-0 winners.
⚽ ENGLAND vs ITALY EURO 2020 FINAL BETTING SPECIAL ⚽
One player who looks certain to miss out entirely is Phil Foden.
The England midfielder picked up a slight knock to his foot in training as they prepared for the game and is understood to not be available.
The XI selected means England fan favourite Jack Grealish must once again make do with coming off the bench.
The Aston Villa man has been used to great effect late in games so far during the tournament.
The England team set off from their St George’s Park training base earlier today with throngs of fans lining the streets.
Rows and rows of supporters armed with smartphones and St. George flags lined the streets of Burton on what promises to be memorable day for England.
The last time the nation was preparing for a major international tournament was in 1966, when Bobby Moore’s side triumphed over West Germany, also at Wembley.
England fans have already been getting the party started, with supporters hitting the pubs last night to get in the spirit.
It comes as the Queen sent a personal message to Southgate and his squad, congratulating them on their progress to the final and wishing them all the best for tonight.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
