Predicted England Line-up To Face Slovenia In The World Cup Qualifiers
England will look to confirm their place in the next year’s FIFA World Cup when they clash against Slovenia in their penultimate WC qualifier game at the Wembley, on Thursday.
The Three Lions could seal their berth for Russia with a win and three points against Slovenia, but it might not be as straight-forward as one might think, given that the Slovenians had managed to hold England for a goalless draw the last time the two sides met. However, manager Gareth Southgate will be hoping that his big guns deliver on the night.
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Dele Alli is suspended for the encounter following his middle finger gesture in the last round of fixtures. Surprise pick Fabian Delph has been released from the squad due to injury, along with defender Phil Jones. Daniel Sturridge, Jordan Henderson and Michael Keane did not train with the first-team on Monday and were instead part of a recovery training.
Here’s how the Three Lions could take the field against Slovenia:
Manager: Gareth Southgate
Formation: 4-3-3
Joe Hart (GK)
The West Ham goalkeeper hasn’t been performing at his best, but remains the manager’s trusted option between the sticks. And that is unlikely to change on Thursday.
Kyle Walker (RB)
The 27-year old has been in belligerent form since his move to Manchester City and will be looking to carry that over to the national team.
John Stones (CB)
Another Manchester City man in the line-up, Stones has been busy rebuilding his reputation as England’s most promising centre-half after a poor 2016/17. Should start in the heart of the defence.
Gary Cahill (CB)
Partnering Stones in the backline should be experienced defender and Chelsea captain, Gary Cahill. The 31-year old will hope to keep things tight at the back as England look for a win.
Ryan Bertrand (LB)
At left-back, it should be Southampton’s Ryan Bertrand. The former Chelsea man is highly underrated and thoroughly deserves a spot, given his levels of consistency.
Eric Dier (CM)
The Tottenham man is a constant fixture in the Three Lions midfield for every game and that should stay the same for Thursday’s encounter.
Jordan Henderson (CM)
Henderson hasn’t been able to hit great heights this season so far, but is an important presence in the middle of the park and should start.
Harry Winks (CM)
The youngster was called up to the squad after Delph’s injury. He hasn’t played a whole lot this season, but has been extremely impressive in the last couple of games. Southgate should hand him his England debut on Thursday.
Raheem Sterling (RW)
The speedy winger has been in top form for Manchester City, coming into the international break. Should start on the right-hand side of the attacking trident.
Harry Kane (ST)
Hurri-Kane is on a hot streak and has been on a terrific goal-scoring run which began with England’s set of qualifiers last month. Is set to captain the team. Expect him to bang in a couple of goals on Thursday.
Marcus Rashford (LW)
Completing the line-up, on the left-flank, should be Manchester United’s sensation, Marcus Rashford. Scored one and assisted two in England’s previous round of fixtures and will be hoping to keep going in the same vein against Slovenia.