It’s finally here. Euro 2020 has started, England’s opener against Croatia is just around the corner, and we’re having a go at predicting England’s starting XI for this one.
The Three Lions have the chance to get some revenge for their 2018 World Cup elimination on Sunday as they face Croatia in a repeat of the semi-final in Russia.
It’s fair to say a lot has changed since that fateful game against Croatia back in 2018, and Gareth Southgate has a number of selection headaches to consider going into this one.
England’s predicted XI
We think that the Three Lions will go with a five at the back formation for the opener here.
Jordan Pickford gets the nod in goal, while Reece James gets the nod at right wing-back, while Kyle Walker, John Stones and Tyrone Mings start in the heart of defence as there are still huge question marks around Harry Maguire’s fitness.
Luke Shaw gets the nod over Ben Chilwell on the left, while Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice start in the midfield.
Phil Foden starts on the right, and while Jack Grealish would be the popular choice down the left, we think Marcus Rashford may start in order to give Southgate a pacier option.
Harry Kane inevitably starts up top for the Three Lions.
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