Saturday, October 12, 2024

England v Slovenia live – Team news ‘leaked’ and reaction as Three Lions qualify

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Gareth Southgate needs a big result to kick start England’s Euros campaign – and has gone back to basics to get it.

England boss Southgate has made one change to his starting line-up to face Slovenia with Conor Gallagher coming in for Trent Alexander-Arnold.

That brings in some energy, work rate and much-needed pressing in midfield in a 4-3-3 formation with Declan Rice the anchorman, Gallagher to the right and Jude Bellingham to the left.

It means Gallagher and Bellingham can almost take it in turns when to sit deeper and when to attack but, most importantly, it is a different formula to try and give England some momentum.

That is the only change for England and it must come with some risk because it is hot in Cologne and, even though it will be 9pm local time at kick-off, it has been a sweltering day.

The back four has been fairly solid so no need to change there but the system would mean that Phil Foden switches back to the left wing which is not his preferred position.

Southgate loves Gallagher, trusts him and rates him so that is why he has picked the Chelsea midfielder over the likes of Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton.

England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Gallagher, Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Kane.

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