June 15th 2024.
This weekend, the football team of England will be taking to the field for their first match of the Euro 2024 tournament. Manager Gareth Southgate is facing some major decisions when it comes to selecting his starting lineup for the game against Serbia on Sunday night.
After a disappointing loss to Iceland in their final warm-up match, Southgate is left with more questions than answers as he contemplates which players will make up his starting XI for their first Group C match. Despite this setback, England is still considered to be the favorites to win the tournament, so all eyes will be on them as they take on Serbia in Germany.
So, what is the latest news on the squad and how will Southgate's team line up? Let's take a look at the team's current status and potential lineup.
In terms of injuries, defender Harry Maguire will not be able to play in the match, but Southgate is hopeful that John Stones will be fit to start after being forced to leave the field in their last match against Iceland. Marc Guehi, who partnered with Stones in the backline during that match, is also being considered as a potential defensive option.
There is also some good news for Luke Shaw, who has been recovering from a muscle injury since February. While he has made impressive progress and returned to training, it is unlikely that he will be ready to start in Sunday's match. There is also competition for a spot in midfield, with Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher both vying for a starting position alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
Speaking of Alexander-Arnold, there is a possibility that he may be moved into a midfield role, with Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton also in contention. Meanwhile, Bukayo Saka, who has been a consistent presence in Southgate's team since his debut in 2020, has been recovering from a groin injury and may not be fit enough to start on Sunday.
Looking at the bigger picture, England is facing a tough group with matches against Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia. Their opponents in the first match, Serbia, have a strong team with dangerous players such as Dusan Vlahovic and Aleksandr Mitrovic in attack, and Sergej Milinković-Savic and Dusan Tadic pulling the strings behind them.
However, Southgate and his players are determined to start the tournament strong and secure a win against Serbia. This is the predicted lineup for the match: goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, defenders Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guehi, and Keiran Trippier, midfielders Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden, and striker Harry Kane.
For those looking to watch the game, it will be broadcast live on BBC One and can also be streamed through BBC iPlayer. This will be the first competitive meeting between England and Serbia, so it is sure to be an exciting and closely contested match.
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