Dier dropped as Saka returns to the wing: England’s predicted XI vs Germany

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For the first time in football history, England have been relegated.

As strange as that sounds, it’s true, the Three Lions’ defeat to Italy on Friday evening sealed their Nations League fate and their game against Germany on Monday is now something of a dead rubber.

Indeed, while Germany and England may be the fiercest of rivals on the international stage, this game may genuinely be the least important meeting you’re likely to ever see between these two sides.

England are already relegated while Germany can’t qualify, so this represents nothing more than a friendly match.

Of course, England vs Germany will very rarely be a friendly and with this being England’s final game before the World Cup gets underway, there will be some points to prove here as certain players make last-ditch efforts to prove they’re worthy of a place on the plane to Qatar.

With that in mind, we’ve had a go at predicting Gareth Southgate’s starting XI for this one.

We think that Southgate will make a few changes to the XI that started against Italy, but there aren’t really many surprises in this side.

The 5-2-3 formation persists, but there is no room in the XI for periphery figures such as Jarrod Bowen, Ivan Toney and Tammy Abraham.

Aaron Ramsdale comes in for Nick Pope, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben Chilwell start at wing-back.

Meanwhile, Marc Guehi takes Eric Dier’s place at the back as he’s handed a chance to prove himself against top opposition, while Harry Maguire keeps his place despite his Manchester United woes.

Jude Bellingham is handed another shot to demonstrate his worth on the international stage, and this time he’s partnered by James Ward-Prowse who’ll want to show Southgate what he’s all about.

After an outing at wing-back, Bukayo Saka returns to his favoured right-wing role, while Jack Grealish starts down the left after a bright cameo against Italy.

Despite the presence of Toney and Abraham in the squad, Harry Kane once again leads the line here as he chases down Wayne Rooney’s all-time England scoring record.