England have had a torrid time in the Nations League as they are currently sitting fourth in their group and are yet to pick up a win. They have secured only two points from their four matches and next up, they take on Italy on Friday night.
The last time these two sides met was back in June and that game ended 0-0 but a draw will not be enough for the Three Lions this time around.
England have been in really poor form lately as they have not won in their previous four outings and in these four matches, they have conceded six goals while scoring only two.
The Italy match and then the Germany game will be really important for Gareth Southgate because these are the final competitive matches before the World Cup begins. The players who get a lot of game time over the next seven days will have a great chance at becoming the regulars in Qatar.
We are expecting the England manager to name two very different sides but against Italy, he should be choosing most of his favourites.
England’s team news and possible selection:
Aaron Ramsdale has done really well since joining Arsenal so we hope he is going to get the nod ahead of Nick Pope on Friday night.
In defence, Southgate will have to take some really tough decisions because most of his regular starters are massively out of form.
Players like Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire have hardly played this season so they should be on the bench against Italy. While someone like Ben Chilwell or Kieran Tripper can and should replace Luke Shaw but we have a strong feeling the England manager is going to keep Maguire in the side.
Harry Maguire is apt for the style of football England play under their current boss which is why he is expected to start.
Fikayo Tomori has been sensational since joining AC Milan which is why there’s a big chance that he is finally going to move up the pecking order.
Kalvin Phillips has been ruled out due to surgery so Jordan Henderson has become a late inclusion into the squad. However, the Liverpool man will mostly be a benchwarmer because the in-form Jude Bellingham is going to partner Declan Rice in defensive midfield.
Jordan Henderson has been added to the England squad for two upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures.
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 20, 2022
The attacking area is going to be the major cause of concern for the manager because he has tons of options in that department.
Mason Mount has made a very muted start to his Chelsea campaign but he’s one of Southgate’s favourites so he is likely to start. Also, Mount is very versatile since he can play both out wide as well as in the No 10 role.
Ivan Toney has been called up to the England squad but there’s no way he going to replace Harry Kane in the starting line-up.
England predicted line up vs Italy:
Predicted Starting XI(4-2-3-1): Ramsdale/Pope; Trippier, Reece James, Maguire, Tomori/Stones; Declan Rice. Bellingham; Mount, Foden/Saka, Sterling; Harry Kane.
