England’s leaked starting XI ahead of the huge Euro 2020 clash against Germany overlooks Jack Grealish.
The Three Lions face Germany once more in the last-16 but Gareth Southgate is believed to be planning a return to the 5-2-3 which helped the team to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup.
Telegraph Sport claims Southgate will look to match Germany’s formation in order to nullify the threat of Joshua Kimmich and Gosens in wing-back positions.
But, doing so will leave out a midfielder which is likely to be Aston Villa playmaker Grealish, who provided the vital assist in the recent 1-0 victory over Czech Republic.
This comes after Southgate deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation in all three of England’s group stage games, with Grealish occupying the number 10 role in the previous match.
Southgate is expected to choose a back-three of Harry Maguire, John Stones and Kyle Walker, while Luke Shaw and Trippier are set to operate form the wings.
Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillps will resume their partnership in midfield after a coupe of solid but reserved displays.
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Phil Foden wil return to the starting line-up after the Manchester City playmaker was rested in the final group stage game.
Bukayo Saka and Grealish’s directness was very key in their win against the Czechs but both will likely be dropped for Foden and Raheem Sterling, who has scored both of England’s goals in the Euros.
England have struggled to create enough chances in the European competition in favour of defensive solidity and are yet to a concede any goal, but the return to a back-five will only trigger more criticism of the team.
