Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how England could line up for Monday’s international friendly against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
England manager Gareth Southgate should not risk captain Harry Kane for the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 warm-up friendly with Bosnia-Herzegovina at St James’ Park on Monday evening.
The Bayern Munich hotshot was hampered by a back injury towards the end of the 2023-24 season, and while his Euros participation is not in danger, it would be a surprise to see him turn out from the off here.
In addition, Manchester United duo Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are on the recovery trail too, while Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham will link up with the team later next week after playing in the Champions League final.
With Kane encased in bubble wrap, Aston Villa talisman Ollie Watkins should hold off Ivan Toney to lead the line on Monday night, although Southgate is spoiled for choice when it comes to his supporting cast.
Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden should get the nod from the first whistle, but Eberechi Eze, Jack Grealish, Jarrod Bowen and Cole Palmer are all alternative picks; Anthony Gordon will likely remain on the sidelines due to his ankle issue.
In spite of Adam Wharton‘s brilliant exploits for Crystal Palace, Declan Rice and Conor Gallagher are way ahead of him in the England pecking order, while Trent Alexander-Arnold could also be tested in a midfield slot again.
As Maguire undergoes treatment, Marc Guehi is expected to be the man to benefit in the backline, which should also comprise Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones and makeshift left-back Kieran Trippier.
England possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Gallagher; Saka, Watkins, Foden
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