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The England XI Gareth Southgate must pick when every player is available
Express Sport has picked the starting XI Gareth Southgate must pick when every England player is available.
Three years has now passed since Gareth Southgate replaced Sam Allardyce to become England manager.
The waistcoat-wearing boss last year led the Three Lions to their most successful World Cup campaign since 1990.
Southgate is not afraid to throw in some youngsters, which has captured the imagination of the country.
But of all the players Southgate has available, what is England’s best starting XI?
England’s best starting XI
Jordan Pickford
Everton goalkeeper Pickford has nailed down the starting spot under Southgate.
Jack Butland’s form has dropped off a cliff and Burnley’s Nick Pope is not quite at Pickford’s level yet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Alexander-Arnold’s form for Liverpool and England means he has become the first-choice right-back.
There is competition from Aaron Wan-Bissaka, when fit, and Kieran Trippier but Kyle Walker now looks to be way behind in Southgate’s mind.
Joe Gomez
Gomez has failed to earn a regular spot in the Liverpool side this season but would start for all 19 other Premier League sides.
The 22-year-old is worth persevering with ahead of John Stones and Michael Keane.
Harry Maguire
Maguire is the world’s most expensive defender and is England’s best defender.
The Three Lions’ back line should be built around the Manchester United man.
Ben Chilwell
It is between Chilwell and Danny Rose for the left-back spot and the Leicester man should get the nod.
The 22-year-old is performing in a strong Leicester side since recovering from injury.
Jordan Henderson
The Liverpool skipper is a solid option in midfield, if unspectacular.
Henderson provides international experience that may be lacking in other areas.
Declan Rice
Rice has impressed since switching allegiances to England earlier this year.
At 20, he can hold down that spot for years.
James Maddison
Maddison is yet to make his international debut and has pulled out from this week’s squad due to illness.
But his form for Leicester shows he can be the creative link England have been craving.
Jadon Sancho
Sancho has been in good touch again for Borussia Dortmund this season.
Gets in the side ahead of Marcus Rashford, who is struggling at Manchester United.
The skipper and main goalscorer, Kane is still the first name on the team-sheet for England.
Already over half way to breaking Wayne Rooney’s goal record for England.
Sterling is the second world-class player England have after Kane.
He is now adding international goals to his game, which makes him indispensable to Southgate.