England are currently on top of Group A in the EURO 2020 qualifiers having lost just one game during their past six matches.
But still, the Three Lions cannot breathe easy since both Czech Republic, as well as Kosovo, are in touching distance from them and a loss on Thursday vs Montenegro could see Gareth Southgate’s men lose the top spot in the group.
Montenegro are fourth in the group and right now they are winless in their past six matches meaning England should have a merry time at Wembley on Thursday.
Some people though have doubts over England winning this match especially since there’s a bit of turmoil amongst the players, especially after the Sterling-Gomez bust-up earlier this week.
England team news vs Montenegro:
The biggest news is obviously that Raheem Sterling has been suspended for this game as Gareth Southgate has made it clear that the Man City man will not be considered for this match.
But we are pretty confident that Joe Gomez too will fail to break into the first XI since the manager has more or less steady backline mainly for the big games.
Versus Bulgaria last month, Southgate chose to field this steady formation but on Thursday the manager could make a few changes as some reports claim, Trippier could come into the first XI in order to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back.
Ross Barkley has withdrawn from the England squad meaning James Maddison could get his first-ever start for the Three Lions.
While Maddison has been in superb form for Leicester City this season but we don’t think the England manager will use him from the start but he might come on as a substitute during the second half.
Jordan Henderson is another player who will be missing from the first XI due to suspension meaning Chamberlain could start alongside Harry Winks in midfield.
Youngster Mason Mount has really impressed with Chelsea this season and he is expected to start on Thursday.
Raheem Sterling would have been an obvious choice down the winks but with the Man City forward suspended, Jadon Sancho might come into the side.
Obviously Harry Kane will start upfront but if the Spurs hitman cannot make an impact then surely the manager will not shy away from introducing Tammy Abraham since the youngster has been amongst the goals for Chelsea.
England’s predicted line-up vs Montenegro:
Starting XI:Â Pickford; Rose/Chilwell, Stones, Maguire, Trippier/Alexander-Arnold; Mount, Winks, Chamberlain; Rashford, Kane, Jadon Sancho.