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England team news: Expected XI vs Italy as Southgate makes Grealish and Maddison decisions
England boss Gareth Southgate leads his team to their first match since the World Cup against Italy this evening.
England begin their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign this evening when they play Italy in Naples. The Three Lions are winless in their last six matches against Italy and haven't beaten them in a competitive game this century. Express Sport brings you the XI Gareth Southgate is expected to pick.
Goalkeeper - Pickford
Jordan Pickford remains the No 1 for Southgate. He has been a reliable part of the team for three major tournaments.
Aaron Ramsdale is breathing down his neck as he enjoys another good season for Arsenal. Nick Pope has also excelled at Newcastle but pulled out of this squad due to injury.
Defence - Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw
Southgate is likely to stick with the majority of the team he selected against France in the World Cup quarter-final. Harry Maguire continues to struggle for regular game time at Manchester United but will play in the middle of the defence.
John Stones has played at right-back, and often drifted into midfield, for Manchester City of late. But he will partner Maguire in the middle.
His City team-mate Kyle Walker could miss out, with Kieran Trippier set to be rewarded for his fine Newcastle form. Luke Shaw will probably get the nod at left-back despite Ben Chilwell's return to fitness.
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Midfield - Henderson, Rice, Bellingham
The same midfield trio that started against France and Senegal in the knockout stages in Qatar could play again tonight. In an away game in Italy, Southgate will likely err on the side of caution.
Jordan Henderson therefore could keep his place despite Liverpool's recent woes. Declan Rice is one of the first names on the team sheet for Southgate.
Jude Bellingham will be the player given the most licence to get forward. Mason Mount's absence could open the door for James Maddison to get a chance in Sunday's game against Ukraine.
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Attack - Saka, Kane, Grealish
Harry Kane will spearhead the attack as he closes in on Wayne Rooney's all-time goalscoring record. He needs just one goal to surpass the former skipper.
Bukayo Saka is one of the form players in the Premier League and is almost certain to start, with Raheem Sterling unavailable for selection due to injury and Marcus Rashford pulling out of the squad due to a fitness issue. Jack Grealish is in his best form since joining City.
He could keep club team-mate Phil Foden out of the team. Ivan Toney will be hoping to make his senior debut at some point across the next two games.
England expected XI vs Italy in full: Pickford; Trippier, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Henderson, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Grealish
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