England secured their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024 after Spain’s 1-0 win over Albania on Monday evening.
The result means that Gareth Southgate’s side are certain to progress to the first knockout round of the tournament, despite having not yet played their final group game.
The Three Lions face Slovenia in Cologne on Tuesday night, and Southgate will be hoping to see a much improved performance from his side after their dismal 1-1 draw against Denmark last time out.
The former Middlesbrough boss could make changes to his side for the game, and here we predict the XI that he could select.
Goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford has started every England game at major tournaments since making his World Cup debut in 2018, and the Everton ‘keeper will start once again on Tuesday.
Defenders
At the back, Southgate is likely to once again opt for a back four and Kyle Walker is set to start at right-back.
Along side him, Marc Guehi is set to once again partner John Stones for the third successive game. The pair have largely impressed in Germany so far, and Southgate will be hoping to see his side keep a clean sheet against Slovenia.
Guehi is playing at his first major international tournament
At left-back, Kieran Trippier is likely to continue as a in a relatively unfamiliar role in the continued absence of Luke Shaw. Trippier has started both of England’s group games so far, but Southgate will likely be desperate to see Shaw – the only specialist left-back in his squad – return to full fitness.
Midfielders
Midfield has been arguably been Southgate’s biggest problem so far this summer, and he could finally make a chance to the setup for this match.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has started both games so far in midfield, but he could be replaced by Conor Gallagher. The Chelsea star has replaced Alexander-Arnold in both of England’s games, but he could be given the nod to start this one.
Declan Rice is one of England’s most important players and is set to continue once again against Slovenia.
Rice is set to start at the base of England’s midfield against Slovenia
There have been plenty of calls for Phil Foden to occupy the number ten role, but it appears more likely that Jude Bellingham will continue in the advanced midfield role. The Real Madrid star scored England’s winner against Serbia, but was largely ineffective last time out.
Youngsters Adam Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo could be of use from the bench.
Forwards
Bukayo Saka is set to start on the right of England’s attack, and he will be hoping to score his first goal of the tournament.
Through the middle, captain Harry Kane is set to make his 94th appearance for his country, and will be hoping to extend his record as the Three Lions’ all-time top scorer.
Kane scored England’s opener against Denmark last time out
On the left, Phil Foden is likely to start despite calls for Anthony Gordon to be given an opportunity. The Manchester City man is more effective centrally, but Southgate is likely to deploy Foden on the left once again.
Predicted XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Gallagher, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Foden