England v Wales: Predicted Three Lions line-up for crucial grudge match

England face Wales on Tuesday evening in a game that will decide which sides progress from Group B of the World Cup. 

Rob Page’s side have so far drawn against USA and lost to Iran, leaving them in a precarious position and in desperate need of a win against their rivals.

If they fail to beat The Three Lions, Wales’ first World Cup in more than 60 years will end at the group stage, while they must win by at least four goals to leapfrog their opponents.

England, meanwhile, know that a point would be more than enough to secure their progression to the knockout stages.

With that in mind, manager Gareth Southgate could make a few changes to the side that beat Iran and drew against USA.

Here, we predict the XI that he may choose.

Goalkeeper

Everton’s Jordan Pickford was England’s first choice ‘keeper for the last World Cup and the Euros last year, and he has hardly put a foot wrong for his national side. The 28-year-old kept a clean sheet last time out against USA, and will be hoping for another against a Wales side that have struggled in front of goal so far.

Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale will once again have to wait for their first appearances of the tournament.

Defenders

Southgate could change formation for this match, with a return to a back three potentially on the cards. If he does opt to do so, Kyle Walker could return having been passed fit for the game.

Maguire has started the competition in superb form

The Manchester City star is usually deployed on the right of a back three for England as opposed to his usual right-back role for City, and he could line up alongside Harry Maguire and John Stones. 

England were unfortunate to concede twice against Iran in their tournament opener, and kept a clean sheet against USA, so Southgate will be reluctant to change his backline too much, although the likes of Eric Dier and Connor Coady could be used from the bench.

Midfielders

At right wing-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold could be handed his first start of the competition. Southgate has often overlooked the Liverpool star, although the game against Wales represents the perfect opportunity to freshen things up.

Kieran Trippier could switch to the left and be deployed as a wing-back, having started the last two matches at right-back.

Trippier could be deployed on the left

In the middle, Jordan Henderson is set to replace Jude Bellingham in the starting XI. The Liverpool captain replaced the teenager during the second half of the game against USA, and Southgate looks set to rest Bellingham ahead of the knockout stages.

Alongside Henderson will be Declan Rice, who has started both of England’s matches so far. That will leave the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Conor Gallagher among the substitutes.

Forwards

There has been plenty of calls for Southgate to use Phil Foden more often, and the Manchester City star could be in line for his first start of the tournament. Foden came on against Iran but remained an unused substitute during the goalless draw with USA. He will likely take the place of Mason Mount, who was unconvincing last time out.

There’s been many calls for Foden to start the match against Wales

Through the middle, captain Harry Kane will once again start and will be searching for his first goal of the tournament. The Tottenham Hotspur man hasn’t had a shot on target yet at this World Cup, despite winning the Golden Boot award four years ago, but he will be looking to change that against a fragile Wales side.

On the opposite flank to Foden, Bukayo Saka will likely start and be hoping to continue his good start to the World Cup. The Arsenal winger scored twice on his tournament debut against Iran.

The likes of Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling will all likely be named as substitutes.

Predicted XI: Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Walker, Maguire, Stones, Trippier; Rice, Henderson; Saka, Kane, Foden.