Football News: England Ponder Lineup Changes Ahead of Slovenia Clash
As the highly anticipated UEFA Euro 2024 approaches, England’s national team is carefully considering its lineup for the final Group C match against Slovenia. The Three Lions’ recent underwhelming draw against Denmark has sparked a lively debate among football pundits and fans alike.
“Should Gareth Southgate stick with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield? Start Anthony Gordon on the left wing? Or drop Jude Bellingham deeper?” These are just some of the pressing questions being discussed ahead of Tuesday’s crucial encounter.
BBC Sport’s pundits, including legendary striker Wayne Rooney, former midfielder Danny Murphy, and retired defenders Micah Richards and Jermaine Jenas, have all shared their suggestions for Southgate’s starting XI.
Rooney believes “Anthony Gordon should come into the team” and would like to see the Newcastle United winger feature off the left, alongside Bukayo Saka on the right, with Declan Rice and Bellingham in the middle. The ex-England captain also wants to see Phil Foden in the number 10 role, with captain Harry Kane leading the line.
Murphy, on the other hand, suggests “freshening it up” and resting key players like Kane, Bellingham, Saka, and Foden, in order to have them fully fit for the knockout stages. The former Liverpool midfielder would start Conor Gallagher and Adam Wharton ahead of Rice, while giving Luke Shaw a chance to impress.
Meanwhile, Richards is content to stick with the same team he had predicted before the tournament, citing the need for balance, while Jenas would bring in Joe Gomez for Kieran Trippier and introduce Kobbie Mainoo in midfield.
Chief football writer Phil McNulty has also shared his thoughts, emphasizing the need to address the imbalance on England’s left flank. McNulty would start Gordon in front of Trippier, while dropping Bellingham deeper to partner Rice, allowing Foden to thrive in the number 10 role.
With the knockout stages of Euro 2024 just around the corner, Southgate has a crucial decision to make in shaping the starting lineup that will face Slovenia. The outcome of this match could have a significant impact on England’s campaign and their quest for European glory.
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