England host Australia in an international friendly at Wembley Stadium, just days after the United Kingdom and Ireland were confirmed as the hosts for the 2028 European Championships.
England Predicted Lineup vs Out of Form Australia
James Maddison vs Fikayo Tomori during England training.
Who won?! 🤷🏼♂️#THFC #COYS 🤍💙❤️🩹 #ENGAUSpic.twitter.com/RUw5Y4ZaKD
— Football Confidential 🌐 (@footballconfid1) October 13, 2023
Marcus Rashford Set to Be Benched
Manchester United’s main man has been a key part of previous major tournaments for Gareth Southgate, scoring three goals in the World Cup last winter. However, the attacker has struggled to find his feet this season; Rashford has scored just one goal, despite playing as a number nine for a considerable period of time. In fairness, playing as a striker does not suit him, and he was simply filling in whilst marquee signing Rasmus Højlund recovered from injury.
Read More: Erik Ten Hag’s Job May Continue To Be Saved By Man Utd Match Winner
Nevertheless, he has failed to deliver for Manchester United and has often been hooked early by Erik ten Hag – only playing the full 90 minutes in half of his starts this campaign. His lack of output may have contributed to the side already losing six games this season, sitting bottom of their Champions League group, and placing just 10th in the Premier League table. With fellow Premier League stars such as James Maddison, Phil Foden, and even Jarred Bowen hitting great form, it seems unlikely that Rashford will find a place in Southgate’s starting lineup.
How England Have Lined Up Recently
With a squad so rich in talent across all positions, Southgate has not yet shown an eleven of preferred starters. The England manager has utilised international breaks to rotate the squad, allowing different players to prove themselves.
Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham started both fixtures in September, and the duo are hitting great form in alternative European top flights. With Kane the skipper, and Bellingham one of the brightest young talents in the world, it seems that the attacking pair are a shoo-in for the Commonwealth clash.
Read More: Tottenham Poach Director From Premier League Rivals
In terms of Premier League talent, Declan Rice, Kyle Walker, and Marc Guehi were all common factors in England’s last two lineups. After Rice’s huge transfer in the summer, he seems to have settled in well at Arsenal and looks like one of the league’s best midfielders.
Walker appears to have cemented his place in Pep Guardiola’s side, after struggling last season. After grabbing a goal and an assist last international break, it seems difficult to displace the right-back. Guehi, however, may struggle to guarantee his place. Harry Maguire has recently recovered his form, and John Stones has returned from injury. The centre-back partnership will be hard to predict.
England Injuries to Consider
In terms of injuries, the most significant is that of Bukayo Saka, who withdrew from the squad after being called up. The Arsenal winger picked up an injury against Lens, but the extent of which appears to be minor. However, this may affect Southgate’s planning, as Saka was a big part of the team during the recent Euros and World Cup, and will surely be a starter at the 2024 Euros this summer.
The other notable gap is the absence of any natural left-backs. Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw are both injured. The most suitable replacements are either Levi Colwill, who has been playing there for Chelsea, or Kieran Trippier, who is technically versatile enough to put in a shift. Having neither his first nor second choice left-back is not a good position for Southgate to be in, especially as he will need to decide which one is which!
England’s Recent Form and Tactics
In England’s last match, they failed to defeat Ukraine. A 1-1 draw left England fans feeling mostly disappointed and frustrated. However, it will be unlikely we see the manager change from his trusted 4-3-3/4-2-3-1, or for him to drop any of his favoured players.
England Predicted Lineup
Ramsdale, Walker, Maguire, Guehi, Colwill, Henderson, Rice, Bellingham, Bowen, Kane, Maddison.
