ENGLAND are set for a crunch World Cup clash with Wales on Tuesday as they bid for a place in the Last 16.
The Battle of Britain promises some intense action with the Three Lions looking to seal top place in Group B while the Dragons are not giving up on a surprise comeback after their shock loss to Iran.
England have one foot already in the knockouts as a win will see them finish first and a draw could also work but if Iran also emerge victorious then Gareth Southgate’s men would drop to second.
The only way Southgate’s side could crash out would be if they lost by at least 4-0 against Wales and Iran beat USA in the final round of fixtures in the group stage.
Harry Kane and co disappointed on Friday’s goalless draw against the US and many questioned Southgate’s choices in the starting line-up, with many complaining about Phil Foden’s absence.
SunSport rounds up three possible options for how England could line up against Wales:
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IF IT AIN’T BROKE
Gareth Southgate claimed he didn’t start Phil Foden against USA because he opted against changing the line-up that destroyed Iran 6-2.
And so Southgate could go for the same 4-2-3-1 formation next week against Wales.
That means Jordan Pickford could start in goal with Kieran Trippier at right-back and Luke Shaw on the other side, while Harry Maguire and John Stones may team up at centre-back.
Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice could link up in midfield with Mason Mount at No10.
Bukayo Saka could cover the right flank with Raheem Sterling on the other side, while Harry Kane would lead the attack.
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HARRY KANE OUT
England are practically already in the World Cup’s Round of 16 with four points in the bag.
And thus Gareth Southgate may still opt against taking risks with Harry Kane’s fitness.
Kane has been dealing with an ankle problem ever since the Iran game and Southgate may prefer to save his captain for the Last 16.
The Three Lions boss could also find the opportunity to start the returning James Maddison in midfield and Phil Foden in a front three, which has suited him at Manchester City.
Therefore, England could start in a 4-3-3 formation with the same back four as Iran and USA.
But Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice could link up with Maddison in midfield.
And Callum Wilson could come on for Kane to team up with Bukayo Saka and Foden.
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PLAYING IT SAFE
There is also a chance Gareth Southgate could go back to the 3-4-3 formation.
That would also allow him to rest Kane and replace him with a player he has been favouring more than Callum Wilson; and that is none other than Marcus Rashford.
Jordan Pickford could start in goal with Eric Dier, Harry Maguire and John Stones in defence.
Kieran Trippier could play as a right wing-back with Luke Shaw on the other side, while Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice could team up in midfield.
Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Rashford would then lead the line
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
