Euro Champ Qualifying
Mar 26, 2023 5.00pm
2
0
HT : 2 0
FT
  • Harry Kane 37' goal
  • Bukayo Saka 40' goal

How England could line up against Ukraine

How England could line up against Ukraine

England manager Gareth Southgate will have to cope without the suspended Luke Shaw for Sunday's Euro 2024 qualifying Group C battle with Ukraine at Wembley.

The Manchester United left-back saw red for two bookable offences in Thursday's 2-1 success over Italy, incurring one yellow card for time-wasting before scything down Mateo Retegui a minute later.

Thankfully for Southgate, a ready-made replacement in Ben Chilwell is fit and raring to go, and the Chelsea man should immediately be drafted in to cover for Shaw, although Kieran Trippier was picked to shore up the backline in the final 10 minutes on Thursday.

With fewer than 72 hours to recover from their Italian exertions and flights home, Southgate may consider bringing in Trippier given Reece James's withdrawal, but John Stones, Harry Maguire and Jordan Pickford ought to retain their places.

As well as losing Shaw to suspension, England fans witnessed the painful sight of Jude Bellingham limping off the field at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, although the severity of the 19-year-old's issue is yet to be determined.

Either way, Jordan Henderson is on hand to cover alongside Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips, while Bukayo Saka faces little competition for his spot on the right and should start once more.

With Phil Foden missing out due to appendicitis, James Maddison could make his first start for England on the left, while Harry Kane continues in the number nine role after scoring his record-breaking 54th Three Lions goal.

England possible starting lineup: Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Chilwell; Henderson, Phillips, Rice; Saka, Kane, Maddison

POLL
Who will win Sunday's Euro Champ Qualifying clash between England and Ukraine?
England 84%
Draw 8%
Ukraine 8%
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