Three ways England could line up against USA in second World Cup clash… and what happens if Harry Kane is out?
GARETH SOUTHGATE must decide whether to stick or twist ahead of facing the United States on Friday.
His England team proved far too strong for Iran in their opener on Monday as they hit their opponents for six.
GettyEngland may name an unchanged starting XI against USA[/caption]
GettyGareth Southgate has a few selection dilemmas to work out[/caption]
But with two goals conceded against a weak Iran side and a slight injury concern over skipper Harry Kane, the Three Lions boss has some big calls to make.
SunSport rounds up three possible options for how England could line up on Friday evening at the 60,000-seater Al Bayt Stadium in Al Khor.
KEEP IT THE SAME
If Kane recovers from his ankle problem and is passed fit to play, Southgate will be desperate to have him leading the line supported by Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka again.
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The England boss went for a more attacking 4-3-3 formation against Iran – and it worked perfectly in attack with goals galore.
And after a 6-2 win, it would be perfectly understandable for Southgate to name the same starting XI if possible.
That would see Jordan Pickford in goal with Kieran Trippier, John Stones, Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw in defence.
In front of them would then be Declan Rice, talisman Jude Bellingham and Mason Mount.
GettyBukayo Saka will surely keep his place in the starting XI[/caption]
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SAME SHAPE, DIFFERENT PERSONNEL
The system clearly worked on Monday – so if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?
Kane may still miss out – or at least not be risked – which could give Callum Wilson or Marcus Rashford the chance to lead the line.
Rashford got his goal seconds after coming on – albeit on the right wing – on Monday, while Wilson did brilliantly to set up Jack Grealish.
Speaking of the £100million Manchester City star, his goal may have earned him a starting spot and the chance for Raheem Sterling to have a breather.
Similarly, Phil Foden could get the nod over Mason Mount with the rest of the team staying the same.
GettyMarcus Rashford could come in if Harry Kane is not fit[/caption]
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SAFETY FIRST
USA will surely pose more of a threat in attack than Iran and that could urge Southgate to revert to his tried and trusted back five.
Pickford will be in goal but Kyle Walker may be ready for action and come in as the right centre-back with club-mate Stones and then Maguire – or Eric Dier if Maguire has not fully recovered from his struggles on Monday.
That would allow Rice and Bellingham to become a double pivot in the middle with Shaw and probably Trippier – or possibly Trent Alexander-Arnold – as wing-backs.
Wilson could lead the line with Saka and Sterling either side.
APPhil Foden and Jack Grealish will want to get the nod[/caption]
