England manager Gareth Southgate has suggested he will avoid making significant changes to his team for the Euro 2024 last 16 match against Slovakia on Sunday night.
The Three Lions had a disappointing group stage, leading to calls for Southgate to alter his lineup, especially after Kobbie Mainoo and Cole Palmer impressed as substitutes in the goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday.
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A win against Slovakia on Sunday would set up a quarter-final match against Switzerland, who impressively knocked out Italy with a 2-0 victory on Saturday.
Luke Shaw has yet to play for England in the tournament, having been sidelined with a hamstring injury since March.
Although the Manchester United player returned to first-team training this week, Southgate confirmed in a press conference on Saturday that Shaw will not start on Sunday.
‘Luke Shaw wouldn’t be available to start but we’ll have a chat with the medical team and see whether he can play a part or if he could do with a bit more training,’ Southgate said.
Kieran Trippier has been managing a calf injury during the tournament, while Phil Foden briefly left to attend the birth of his third child before rejoining the team in Germany on Thursday night.
Southgate has confirmed that both Trippier and Foden will be available for Sunday’s match.
There have been increasing calls for Mainoo and Palmer to start, with reports indicating that the Manchester United player might join Declan Rice in midfield.
However, the England manager hinted that making drastic changes to the lineup would be unwise as he considers his starting XI.
‘I think a team is never quite as poor as people might think and never quite as good as people might think,’ Southgate said.
‘You’re probably about five per cent off where you’d like to be. Therefore you’ve got to be careful not to throw everything out the window and lose things you’re doing well and lose continuity and the confidence that comes with players playing together and the understanding that comes with those moments.
‘You have to ignore external advice and be assured in what you’re doing.
‘Equally, we have had some players come in and have an impact from the bench. Our subs in all the matches have had a big impact and we are mindful people are pushing for places. We need that strength in depth.
‘The squad is training well. That’s pushing the starting team that’s been in place but also the other players have to be ready, tomorrow you might need there might be five or six changes. For us, it’s important than when players come on, they perform.’
