England reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup after a clinical 3-0 win over Senegal. Next up, they face defending champions France, in a match worthy of being a final. Last Word on Football has put together our England predicted lineup for this gargantuan clash, looking at their recent injury and illness news heading into the fixture.
England Predicted Lineup vs France
🦁🦁🦁 pic.twitter.com/YJpqLvENQx
— England (@England) December 9, 2022
How England Have Lined-Up Recently
Gareth Southgate has switched between the fairly similar 4-2-3-1 and 4-3-3 formations thus far in the World Cup. He is a manager who does not like to tinker with his squad mid-tournament, and is likely to name an unchanged lineup for the match against Les Bleus.
England Injuries and Illnesses to Consider
John Stones walked off in the 78th minute of England’s round of 16 tie against Senegal with a sore hamstring. He is, however, expected to be fully fit for the next match. Concerns have been raised over whether Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson will be fit after missing training recently, recovering from a muscle strain. With Harry Kane the first-choice striker and plenty of other attacking talent in this England squad, though, this shouldn’t be a massive blow for Gareth Southgate.
West Ham United captain Declan Rice returned to training on Thursday after missing a session due to illness. Having been afforded the time to rest and recuperate ahead of this weekend, the midfielder is ready to go against the French. “I believe Dec is fit, he’s back in training and he’s fine,” said Phillips, who would have been the obvious replacement for the West Ham player.
Read More: World Cup Emerging Players: Cody Gakpo
A big boost for Southgate’s side is undoubtedly the return of Raheem Sterling to the squad. The Chelsea man missed England’s round of 16 clash against Senegal after having to go home following a burglary in his home in Oxshott. Southgate has hinted that the winger may be eased back into the team after a stressful week.
England Predicted Lineup
Jordan Pickford should earn his 50th cap for the Three Lions and keep his place in goal on Saturday evening, playing for a place in the World Cup semi-finals being rather different to what he does at a club level after the recent downfall of Everton from top-six disrupters to relegation battlers.
Kyle Walker will likely start at right-back ahead of his highly anticipated matchup against fellow speedster Kylian Mbappe. The rest of the backline should remain the same as Harry Maguire hopes to continue his fine form in an England shirt. Jordan Henderson’s experience, Jude Bellingham’s youthful exuberance, and Declan Rice somewhere in between should make up the English midfield.
Read More: France Predicted Lineup vs England for Quarter-Final Clash
The front three are also expected to stay the same. Despite Marcus Rashford’s hot form, Arsenal youngster Bukayo Saka has generally been preferred by Southgate on the right flank. Harry Kane, as usual, is likely to lead England from the front, alongside Phil Foden to his left.
Our England predicted lineup in a 4-3-3 formation is as follows:
GK – Jordan Pickford
LB – Luke Shaw
CB – Harry Maguire
CB – John Stones
RB – Kyle Walker
CM – Jordan Henderson
CM – Declan Rice
CM – Jude Bellingham
LW – Phil Foden
ST – Harry Kane
RW – Bukayo Saka
