England came up with another A grade performance as they beat Ukraine 4-0 in the quarter-final of the European Championship on Saturday.
Next up, the Three Lions will return home from Rome and take on Denmark in the semi-final at Wembley on Wednesday.
The English side are yet to concede a goal in this tournament but Denmark are a much stronger side than Ukraine so there’s no way we can expect another 4-0 scoreline type of scoreline in midweek.
Some rumours claim Gareth Southgate might opt to use a 3-4-3 formation for the semi-final but Jose Mourinho has predicted that the England boss is not likely to use a back-three. The new AS Roma manager has also hinted at the name of the players who should be starting on Wednesday.
“Luke Shaw is playing better and better and better,” he told talkSPORT, as quoted.
“I think the back four with the amazing Euros that both central midfielders are doing is more than enough to control Denmark offensively. And then you have four players to decide the creativity of the game.
“Raheem Sterling and Kane is clear and there’s two places in my opinion that’s open.
“Gareth has to make the best decision.
“Jadon Sancho played well, Phil Foden started the tournament, the same with Mason Mount. Jack Grealish – it looks like he’s not the favourite player of Gareth but every minute he’s on the pitch is doing is well.
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“I don’t believe it’s needed to play with a back three like they did against Germany.”
Like Mourinho, we don’t think Gareth Southgate is going to tinker with his defensive line unless there is an injury concern and even his defensive midfielders are guaranteed starters in the semi-final.
Now, the only question is whether Jack Grealish be selected ahead of Mason Mount and does Jadon Sancho keep his place in the starting line-up?
Sancho had a decent game, considering this was his first start of the tournament but it will not be a big surprise to see someone like Phil Foden or Bukayo Saka replace the new Manchester United man.
Saka is recovering from a slight knock and if he is fully fit then the Arsenal youngster could start on the right wing against Denmark.
Mason Mount is a much more disciplined player as compared to Jack Grealish which is why he is likely to get the nod on Wednesday.
