After making wholesale changes for the 1-0 friendly victory over Australia on Friday, Gareth Southgate will revert to a strong starting XI for England’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy this evening.
The Three Lions will wrap up qualification for next summer’s tournament in Germany if they avoid defeat against the holders at Wembley. It was a 2-1 win over the Italians that got Southgate’s side up and running in March.
Kieran Trippier is the only Newcastle United player to earn a call-up to the latest squad with Ollie Watkins selected ahead of Callum Wilson while the likes of Nick Pope, Anthony Gordon and Sean Longstaff continued to be overlooked.
Here is England’s ‘leaked’ starting XI versus Italy - based on various reports:
1. Jordan Pickford
The Everton goalkeeper has long established himself as England’s No.1.
2. Kyle Walker
Walker took part in the pre-match press conference alongside Southgate, which usually means the player is starting.
3. Harry Maguire
Remains out-of-favour at Manchester United but Southgate continues to keep faith.
4. John Stones
Has only just returned from injury but a centre-back partnership of Stones and Maguire is usually the case.