Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire are expected to start for England in their final Euro 2020 group game against the Czech Republic tonight. Grealish came off the bench in the second half of the goalless draw against Scotland, while Maguire is yet to feature in the tournament due to injury.
There is also hope that Jordan Henderson, another who is yet to get any minutes because of injury, could play some part tonight, with the Three Lions having already secured their qualification to the round of 16.
England Team News: Grealish and Maguire Expected to Start Against Czech Republic
Grealish Given Chance Again
Grealish came off the bench in England’s draw with Scotland to try and bring some life to the team’s attack. Despite being through to the knockout stages already, Gareth Southgate’s side have been underwhelming so far – they’ve scored just one goal (in the 1-0 win against Croatia) and were held by Scotland at Wembley, who are the third-lowest ranked side in the competition.
With the news that Mason Mount will have to self-isolate for this game due to coming into contact with Scotland midfielder and Chelsea teammate Billy Gilmour, who tested positive for Covid-19 after the two teams met, there is a starting space available, and The Telegraph’s Matt Law reports that Grealish will take that spot.
With Mount possibly also missing the round-of-16 tie depending on where England finish and who they are pitted against, this represents a big opportunity for Grealish to nail down a starting spot for the latter stages of the tournament.
Maguire to Replace Mings in Defence
Another expected change, according to David Ornstein of The Athletic, is the involvement of Manchester United captain Harry Maguire. The centre-back was included in England’s squad despite being injured prior to the tournament, although it was always expected that he would become available during the end of the group stages.
This will be Maguire’s first involvement in any game since sustaining the injury against Aston Villa towards the end of the Premier League season.
England Team News
Gareth Southgate has already confirmed that Harry Kane will start against the Czech Republic, despite there being some public criticism of his performances against both Croatia and Scotland.
Law’s report for the Telegraph also notes that both Kalvin Phillips and Declan Rice are expected to retain their positions in the centre of England’s midfield, while Kyle Walker could return on the right of the defence having seen Reece James take his place against Scotland.
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