Sports Mole takes an in-depth look at how England could line up for Sunday’s UEFA Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland.
England captain Harry Kane is expected to make an immediate return to the first XI for Sunday’s UEFA Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland at Wembley.
The Three Lions rose to top spot in League B Group 2 with a 3-0 beating of Greece on Thursday night, meaning that victory this weekend will guarantee an immediate return to League A.
Kane was only a second-half substitute in that affair following reports of a knock, and in his place, Ollie Watkins took his opportunity with both hands with a goal in the seventh minute.
However, Carsley has confirmed that he plans to bring Kane back into the side for Sunday’s finale, and Watkins could therefore be one of two Aston Villa players to drop out of the team.
Indeed, defender Ezri Konsa had to be taken off at half time with a hip injury, so one of two uncapped players in Taylor Harwood-Bellis or Jarell Quansah could now partner Marc Guehi in front of Jordan Pickford.
The fact that Harwood-Bellis has played more Premier League minutes than Quansah this season may work in his favour, and a youthful backline could also comprise Lewis Hall and Rico Lewis if Kyle Walker is afforded a rest.
Curtis Jones played the full 90 and scored an exquisite backheel goal on his first senior England start on Thursday, but Angel Gomes could now provide a pair of fresh legs alongside Conor Gallagher in the double pivot.
The same goes for Jarrod Bowen and recent debutant Morgan Rogers up front, but Jude Bellingham should reprise his role just behind the striker.
England possible starting lineup:
Pickford; Lewis, Guehi, Harwood-Bellis, Hall; Gallagher, Gomes; Bowen, Bellingham, Rogers; Kane
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