How England could line up against Czech Republic

England are back in action for the first time this calendar year on Friday night when they welcome Czech Republic to Wembley for their opening Euro 2020 qualifier.

The Three Lions enjoyed a memorable 2018, reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup and securing their place in the finals of the Nations League ahead of Spain and Croatia.

Gareth Southgate will be eager to get 2019 off to a positive start, too, as they face Czech Republic in a competitive fixture for the very first time.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how the England boss could line his side up at Wembley.

England's options have been hit by the withdrawals of Fabian Delph, John Stones, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Luke Shaw since the squad announcement, with James Ward-Prowse and Callum Hudson-Odoi being called up to cover for the injured quartet.

Southgate has experimented with a number of different systems during his time in charge so far, but he ended last year favouring a 4-3-3 formation and could stick with that after it brought his side success.

Captain Harry Kane will lead the line regardless, and a 4-3-3 would enable Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling to join him in an attacking trio that boasts 55 goals between them at club level this season.

Liverpool's Jordan Henderson is expected to be chosen ahead of Eric Dier and the uncapped Declan Rice in the pivot role should he recover from an ankle injury, with the fit-again Dele Alli and Chelsea's Ross Barkley likely to be alongside him in midfield.

One of Southgate's toughest decisions comes at right-back, where Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier are all competing for a starting spot.

There are fewer options at centre-back, with Michael Keane and James Tarkowski battling to feature alongside Harry Maguire, while Danny Rose could pip Ben Chilwell to the left-back spot.

Jordan Pickford's shaky Everton form is not expected to cost him his England place between the sticks, meanwhile, with Tom Heaton and Jack Butland likely to miss out once again.