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England team news vs Czech Republic: Predicted line up – Three injured for Euro qualifier
ENGLAND begin their Euro 2020 qualification campaign against Czech Republic at Wembley, but who will Gareth Southgate pick in his starting XI on Friday?
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England return to action in the opening match of their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign when they host Czech Republic at Wembley.
It is the first time the Three Lions have been in action since the dramatic victory over Croatia in November which sealed their spot in the Nations League finals.
Following up that success will be no easy task for Gareth Southgate and his players, with Friday’s opponents having come second in their Nations League group behind Ukraine.
England also have a number of injuries to contend with after Fabian Delph, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and John Stones all withdrew from the squad.
Jordan Henderson is also nursing an ankle knock, although Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has cleared the Reds skipper for international duty.
James Ward-Prowse has been called up while Declan Rice is in line for his debut cap, although neither midfielder is likely to start.
Instead, Eric Dier and Dele Alli are expected to line up in central midfield if Southgate opts for his favoured 5-3-2 formation.
Kyle Walker should continue in his converted centre-back role, allowing Trent Alexander-Arnold to operate as a right wing-back.
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Luke Shaw should start on the other flank while Harry Maguire and Michael Keane are expected to partner Walker.
Jordan Pickford is England’s first-choice goalkeeper while Harry Kane should lead the line and wear the captain’s armband.
The Tottenham star is likely to be supported by Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling, although Jadon Sancho and Callum Wilson are other options.
England have little time to rest and recuperate after Friday’s clash, with the Three Lions away in Montenegro on Monday.
England predicted line-up vs Czech Republic – Euro 2020 qualifier
(5-2-3): Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Walker, Maguire, Keane, Shaw; Dier, Alli; Rashford, Sterling, Kane