26 March 2023 , 05:00
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Gareth Southgate will be forced to make changes for England’s Euros qualifier with Ukraine on Sunday.
The Three Lions toppled Italy on Thursday night with an impressive, hard-fought 2-1 away win that saw captain Harry Kane become England's all-time record goal-scorer after his first-half penalty boosted his international tally to 54. The Tottenham talisman will be aiming to keep the momentum rolling against Ukraine as Southgate's side aim to make it two win from two Euro 2024 qualifiers.
In regards to how the Three Lions will line-up, Southgate will have to make significant tweaks but one player who can expect to remain in the starting line-up is Jordan Pickford. The Everton shot-stopper could hardly be blamed for Italy's goal last time out.
When it comes to the back four however, it will look significantly different this time around. Left-back Luke Shaw is suspended after his sending off in Italy which could mean a chance for Ben Chilwell, although Kieran Trippier came on in Naples.
Southgate's favoured central defensive pairing of John Stones and Harry Maguire are likely to keep their places in the heart of the backline, while first-choice Kyle Walker is expected to keep Reece James out of the starting line-up at right-back.
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Southgate will be reluctant to change the midfield after they won in Italy but they will monitor Kalvin Phillips - who has yet to start in the Premier League for Manchester City this season - after he completed the full 90 minutes in Naples.
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Luke Shaw was sent off for England last time outDeclan Rice is almost certain to keep his place after he silenced some critics and scored the opening goal against the Azzurri. Jude Bellingham also impressed and will be tasked with pulling the strings once again on Sunday.
Jack Grealish was lively in Italy but Southgate wants to keep players fresh and will be acutely aware the clubs will not want players overstretched amid a hectic domestic fixture list.
His Manchester City colleague Phil Foden - who lasted just 12 minutes before being subbed as a sub against Italy - is an option if the Three Lions boss chooses to change the wide areas.
Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka is adored by Southgate who will stick with the Gunners winger on the right-flank, much to the presumable dismay of Mikel Arteta who will surely be keen on the idea of the 21-year-old getting a rest.
Kane will lead the line as normal and aim to bump his tally up even further just days after securing his spot in English football history.
Predicted England XI vs Ukraine:Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Chilwell; Rice, Phillips, Bellingham; Saka, Grealish, Kane.