England XI vs Italy: Predicted line-up, confirmed squad news, most recent injury for Euro 2024 qualifiers today
England are set to offer Kalvin Phillips a surprise starting spot in the first Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy in Naples.
Phillips has been injury-plagued since joining Manchester City from Leeds United in a £42m move last summer, and is yet to start a Premier League game under Pep Guardiola .
But Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate is ready to trust him at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona tonight in a midfield three with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice.
Southgate are expected to go with a trio of forwards consisting of Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Jack Grealish, with Grealish getting the green light on City team-mate Phil Foden.
Tottenham talisman Kane needs just one goal to clear Wayne Rooney as England’s all-time top scorer.
England training session ahead of Euro 2024 qualifiers against Italy | March 22, 2023
Manchester United striker Marcus Rashford and Chelsea’s Mason Mount will both miss the game through injury, along with Newcastle goalkeeper Nick Pope and Raheem Sterling.
In defence, Kyle Walker and Reece James are vying for the starting right-back spot while Harry Maguire is likely to be trusted in midfield again. Ben Chilwell will try to oust Luke Shaw on the left.
Predicted England XI will face Italy (4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Phillips, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Greish.
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