England possible starting lineup for game 3 of the group stage vs Wales
How will England line up against Wales in their final Group B game at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium?
Are you ready for some more England? Don’t answer that.
I admit, the USA game won’t make the highlights video at the end of the tournament, but do not fear, as the upcoming World Cup tie against Wales at the Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium looks to be a cracker.
Given how much of a, erm, challenging match the England 0-0 USA draw was to watch, perhaps we are due, or deserving of, some tactical changes from Gareth Southgate. As far as the result goes, the facts are simple: if England avoid a 4-0 defeat they will be through; I’m not going to break any boundaries by saying that the job is pretty much done and dusted for the Three Lions. Let’s hope then, that we see the shackles come off against Wales.
Team news
England struggled to create anything against the trio of Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie and Yunus Musah, so perhaps some much needed midfield maestros might do the trick. To help in this regard, Southgate can finally count on James Maddison: England’s surprise inclusion in the squad had been training on his own with an injury but is now back and feeling good along with the rest of the group.
Foden in or Foden out?
The Manchester City man has been the big question that has floated amongst the clouds in the days after the USA match. Southgate refused to bring on the creative midfielder, instead optinmg for the tough-tackling Jordan Henderson, sparking furious debate over whether or not the manager is too negative given the seemingly endless talent pool he can choose from. Various top-level journalists in England even began to question his credentials, which is never a good sign.
It will be interesting to see if Gareth Southgate sticks to his principles or bends under the pressure, as England are definitely looking stodgy, especially compared to the high level of performances we have seen from other tournament favourites, such as Brazil or Spain.
For what it’s worth, I expect to see Foden start the game, unless Gareth Southgate wants burning effigies going up all across England.
Joe’s predicted line-up: 4-2-3-1
Pickford
Trippier - Stones - Maguire - Shaw
Rice - Henderson (c)
Foden - Mount - Sterling
Kane
