England kicked off their World Cup campaign in fine fashion with a commanding 6-2 win over Iran and they will now be hoping to keep this winning run intact when they face USA in their next group game.
The Three Lions face USA on Friday at the Al Bayt Stadium and a win for Southgate’s team will give them a massive advantage in not only qualifying for the knockout stages but also finishing as the group toppers.
Gregg Berhalter’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Wales in their first game but they put up a great show in that match so the England players will have to be on their toes on Friday. A draw won’t be a bad result for the Three Lions but they have been slotted into a pretty competitive group so three points will be the need of the hour.
The England manager has a few injury concerns going into this match but that shouldn’t be an excuse for him to not name a strong side which can dominate the game from the very first minute.
England team news and injuries:
DEFENCE:
Kyle Walker has returned to training after recovering from a groin problem but we doubt if he will be fit enough to start on Friday. He hasn’t played since the start of October so there’s very little chance that the manager is going to name him in the first XI.
Harry Maguire came off against Iran in the 70th minute and he was immediately a doubt. However, his substitution was just a precaution because Sky Sports are claiming that he will start on Friday.
With Maguire holding onto his place in the side, Eric Dier will once again have to start on the bench.
MIDFIELD:
Kalvin Phillips is back to full fitness but there’s no way he coming back into the side because Bellingham is on fire. The Dortmund man was exceptional against Iran and he even found the back of the net so he’s going to partner Declan Rice in defensive midfield.
The manager also has Jordan Henderson as the backup central midfielder so Phillips’ fitness won’t be a worry for Southgate.
James Maddison still remains a doubt but even if he is available, the Leicester City man will only be fit enough to be on the bench.
With Maddison out of the picture, it will once again be Mason Mount who will play in the No 10 role.
ATTACK:
The England manager opted to use Raheem Sterling on the left flank and the Chelsea man did not disappoint, scoring one and assisting one goal.
Subs like Rashford and Jack Grealish also found the back of the net but we think Southgate is going to put his faith in Sterling once again.
Harry Kane underwent a scan earlier this week and there were growing concerns over his participation in the England vs USA game but now Gareth Southgate has confirmed that Kane is going to feature in the match.
England predicted line up vs USA:
Predicted Starting XI(4-2-3-1): Pickford; Luke Shaw, Stones, Maguire, Trippier; Rice, Bellingham; Mason Mount, Sterling, Saka; Harry Kane.
