England beat Germany 2-0 in the Round of 16 of the European Championship and next up, they take on Ukraine in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
England have won 6 of their last 7 matches in the European Championship and they are yet to concede a goal in this edition of the tournament. They have kept clean sheets in their first four matches, becoming only the second side to do so after Germany in EURO 2016.
The English side have faced Ukraine seven times till date but have tasted only defeat which came 11 years ago. And with the kind of squad they have now, Southgate’s side are the overwhelming favourites to pick up a win.
The Three Lions put up a fine display against Germany thanks to the change in formation from Gareth Southgate and many experts are hoping the manager will not look to tinker too much with his starting line-up this weekend as well.
England team news vs Ukraine:
Jordan Pickford has done brilliantly in goal and he will obviously be the No 1 for the Ukraine game as well. And since the 3-4-3 system worked so brilliantly in the Round of 16, the manager might opt to use a three-man central defence once again.
If that happens then Kyle Walker will once again play on the right-hand side of the three defenders, partnering Harry Maguire and John Stones.
Harry Maguire is one booking away from suspension but we don’t think this will stop the manager from selecting him.
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Kieran Trippier could be an injury absentee since he was struggling towards the end of the Germany game. If he is not ready then Reece James will come into the side as the right wing-back.
Luke Shaw was one of the standout players against Germany and he will reprise his role as the left wing-back but Declan Rice could be put on the bench since he will miss the semi-final if he is booked in this game.
Ukraine are not the strongest of opponents so this will the ideal game to put Rice on the bench and bring in Jordan Henderson to partner Kalvin Phillips.
Bukayo Saka got to start against Germany but the Arsenal player might not be so lucky this time around. Phil Foden is likely to replace him.
Mason Mount should be fully fit and available but the Chelsea man will find it hard to break into the side. The only way he can get a start is if the manager opts to use him instead of Phil Foden.
Jack Grealish made an instant impact after coming off the bench on Tuesday and we have a feeling Gareth Southgate will want to use him in the same role in the quarter-final as well.
Raheem Sterling has scored three goals so far in this tournament meaning he is a guaranteed starter for England on Saturday. So is Harry Kane who finally got his name on the scoresheet.
Stats via Whoscored.