England Predicted XI: Gareth Southgate’s possible starting line-up as Three Lions take on Denmark in Nations League

England take on Denmark at Wembley in their fourth match of this Nations League on Thursday.

The Three Lions enter the match on a high after their victory over top-ranked side Belgium took them to the top of Group A2.

Gareth Southgate’s side now host a Denmark team who they failed to beat in Copenhagen last month as the two played out a goalless draw.

The visitors sit third in the table but know a second win in HA9 would take them above England.

Ahead of the match, Southgate has various selection decisions to make having fielded an array of players against Wales and Belgium in the past six days.

But who will the Three Lions manager task with the challenge of defeating the Danes?

Here we predict Southgate’s starting XI…

Goalkeeper:

Jordan Pickford:
Despite Nick Pope’s solid performance and clean sheet against Wales, Jordan Pickford returned for the visit of Belgium. Didn’t have a lot to do but, with no real errors and a victory against the top ranked side, the Everton skipper is solidifying his place as Southgate’s number 1. Expect him to start once more against Denmark for his 28th cap.

Defenders:

Reece James, Kyle Walker, Conor Coady, Harry Maguire, Bukayo Saka:
Southgate looks set to make changes to the backline again but could stay with three centre-backs and two wings backs he used in the past two matches. After not quite being at his best against Belgium, Trent Alexander-Arnold could drop out for Reece James. The Chelsea man wasn’t even originally included in the squad but is now on the verge of making his first start. Kyle Walker did impress against Belgium and will keep his place alongside Harry Maguire, but Conor Coady could come back in at the expense of Eric Dier who has dropped out of the squad due to injury. On the left hand side, Kieran Trippier and Ben Chilwell’s absence mean that Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka should win his second cap in six days.

Midfielders:

Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount:
Despite calls for Jack Grealish to start after his impressive showing against Wales, Southgate is expected to stick with two less creative midfielders in Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson, plus Mason Mount. Rice has been tidy in the past couple of matches while Henderson, who has just returned from injury, won the penalty against Belgium. Mount will be tasked with opening up the Danes and, despite it taking a big deflection, will be on a high after his winning strike on Sunday.

Forwards:

Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford:
After scoring on his debut and putting in a solid display against Belgium, Dominic Calvert-Lewin would be unlucky to miss out against Denmark. However, with captain Harry Kane now ready to start, Southgate will be expected to turn to his main man. Also, after looking a threat and converting a penalty against Belgium, Marcus Rashford may get the nod to play alongside the Spurs star.

Predicted XI: Pickford; Walker, Coady, Maguire; James, Henderson, Rice, Saka; Mount, Kane, Rashford.