Three ways England could line up without Phil Foden as star faces race against time to return for Slovakia clash

5 months ago 45

ENGLAND face Slovakia in the last 16 of Euro 2024 facing a squad headache.

Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions progressed into the knockout stages top of the group following one win and two draws.

England take on Slovakia on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen and do so with some key names fighting for a place in the starting 11.

Phil Foden left the camp to return to the UK for the birth of his third child.

The Manchester City star is expected to be back in the squad on Sunday but his place in the line-up is in doubt.

Foden has started every game on the left wing – so if he is left out a straight swap with Anthony Gordon would be expected.

Other alternatives would be bringing Chelsea’s Cole Palmer onto his unfavoured left or having Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze out wide.

Gordon and Palmer were hailed as bright sparks for their brief cameos off the bench against Slovenia.

And Jude Bellingham dropping back to pair with Declan Rice could see Palmer play in the No10 role with Gordon on the left.

But Southgate prefers Bellingham in the advanced midfield role, where he helped Real Madrid to a LaLiga and Champions League title.

The Three Lions boss is yet to change the formation in the tournament despite criticism over the current 4-2-3-1 set up.

Switching to a diamond 4-1-2-1-2 would ease pressure off captain Harry Kane.

Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney could partner the former Tottenham forward with four midfielders behind them.

Rice would act as the sole holding midfielder with Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo or Conor Gallagher either side with Palmer in the No10.

Gallagher came into midfield to replace Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, who failed to impress in the new role.

But Manchester United starlet Mainoo was a threat off the bench and will have pushed to start against Slovakia – no matter the formation.

A diamond set-up would also favour Luke Shaw, allowing space down the left to run down in the absence of wingers.

Shaw has finally ruled himself fit to play but he remains a doubt having not featured since February.

Trippier is favourite to retain his place in the starting 11 but England are crying out for Shaw’s natural left foot.