Gareth Southgate is giving strong consideration to sticking with his first-choice attack after Phil Foden returned to training on Friday and took part in England’s preparations for their last-16 tie against Slovakia.
Southgate, who has come under heavy criticism for his tactics at Euro 2024, is not expected to do anything drastic against Slovakia on Sunday and is veering towards making only one change, with Kobbie Mainoo set to replace Conor Gallagher in midfield.
Mainoo made a strong impact after his introduction as a half-time substitute during England’s goalless draw with Slovenia on Tuesday and the 19-year-old is likely to be rewarded with his third international start. Southgate has struggled to find the right balance in midfield and he will hope that using the youngster alongside Declan Rice can give England more control in possession. Trent Alexander-Arnold and Gallagher have failed to establish themselves as the right partner for Rice.
England had difficulties with the ball during their first three games in Germany, despite advancing as winners of Group C, and there have been calls for Southgate to alter his attack. Bukayo Saka’s place is under threat on the right, with Cole Palmer pushing for a starting spot, and Foden and Jude Bellingham have crowded each other out at times.
The side have lacked balance on the left – a problem exacerbated by Luke Shaw’s absence at left-back – and there is an argument for Southgate to drop Bellingham or Foden for the Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon. England have not been creating many chances and scored only two goals in games against Denmark, Serbia and Slovenia.
Palmer had an impressive cameo as a substitute against Slovenia and Gordon also made a decent impact during his brief appearance. Yet Southgate remains trusting of his regulars and the vibe is that he wants to stick with Foden on the left, Bellingham as No 10 and Saka on the right, with Harry Kane leading the line. Foden flew back to Germany on Thursday night, having left the camp to attend the birth of his third child, and he has taken part in the tactical work.
Rice and Kieran Trippier, who has deputised for Shaw, were back in full training after doing individual sessions on Thursday. Trippier has been monitoring a calf problem and England are aware of Rice’s workload.
An issue for Southgate has been having to use the right-footed Trippier on the left. Shaw, who has been out with a hamstring injury since February, is the squad’s only specialist left-back. The Manchester United defender is back in full training and should be on the bench against Slovakia.
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A short-term fix advanced by the former England players Ian Wright and Gary Neville has been for Saka to fill in at left-back. However the Arsenal winger is not keen on the idea. “I love Ian Wright and he says so many great things about me but I don’t think putting me out of position is the solution,” Saka told BBC Radio 5 Live. “But at the end of the day, I think we can talk about this but it’s in Gareth’s hands so we will just have to trust whoever Gareth selects on the day.”
Palmer, who had an exceptional season for Chelsea, insisted he was ready to start. “I think so but it’s not up to me,” the winger said. “I wouldn’t say I’m impatient because it’s my first tournament and you’ve got players like Bukayo, Phil and Jude in my position,” the winger said. “But I was just wanting to get on and try to impress when I do.”
Palmer added that he would be happy to be introduced in extra time with a view to taking a penalty if England ended up in a shootout against Slovakia.
There was also confident talk from Gordon. “My main strengths are I am very direct, I’m obviously quick,” he said. “I know I am a nightmare for anyone that I play against. I’m positive. Every time I get the ball, I always try to make something happen. I’m not a very safe player, I am always going for it. I am always trying to put people on the back foot.”
