MX23RW : Monday, March 25 20:55:39
Mar 22, 2019 at 7.45pm UK at ​Wembley Stadium
England
5-0
Czech Republic
Sterling (24', 62', 68'), Kane (45' pen.), Kalas (84' og.)
FT(HT: 2-0)

How England could line up against Czech Republic

Sports Mole looks at how England could line up for their opening Euro 2020 qualifier against Czech Republic as they look to build on a memorable 2018.

England are back in action for the first time this calendar year on Friday night when they welcome Czech Republic to Wembley for their opening Euro 2020 qualifier.

The Three Lions enjoyed a memorable 2018, reaching the semi-finals of the World Cup and securing their place in the finals of the Nations League ahead of Spain and Croatia.

Gareth Southgate will be eager to get 2019 off to a positive start, too, as they face Czech Republic in a competitive fixture for the very first time.

Here, Sports Mole looks at how the England boss could line his side up at Wembley.



Possible ENG XI vs. CZE

England's options have been hit by the withdrawals of Fabian Delph, John Stones, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Luke Shaw since the squad announcement, with James Ward-Prowse and Callum Hudson-Odoi being called up to cover for the injured quartet.

Southgate has experimented with a number of different systems during his time in charge so far, but he ended last year favouring a 4-3-3 formation and could stick with that after it brought his side success.

Captain Harry Kane will lead the line regardless, and a 4-3-3 would enable Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling to join him in an attacking trio that boasts 55 goals between them at club level this season.

Liverpool's Jordan Henderson is expected to be chosen ahead of Eric Dier and the uncapped Declan Rice in the pivot role should he recover from an ankle injury, with the fit-again Dele Alli and Chelsea's Ross Barkley likely to be alongside him in midfield.

One of Southgate's toughest decisions comes at right-back, where Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier are all competing for a starting spot.

There are fewer options at centre-back, with Michael Keane and James Tarkowski battling to feature alongside Harry Maguire, while Danny Rose could pip Ben Chilwell to the left-back spot.

Jordan Pickford's shaky Everton form is not expected to cost him his England place between the sticks, meanwhile, with Tom Heaton and Jack Butland likely to miss out once again.

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Who will win Friday's Euro 2020 qualifier between England and Czech Republic?

England
Draw
Czech Republic
England
96.7%
Draw
0.0%
Czech Republic
3.3%
Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse celebrates after scoring against Fulham in the Premier League on February 27, 2019
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James Ward-Prowse added to England squad for opening Euro 2020 qualifiers
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Tables
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool31237170185276
2Manchester CityMan City30242479215874
3Tottenham HotspurSpurs30201957322561
4Arsenal30186663392460
5Manchester UnitedMan Utd30177658401858
6Chelsea30176750331757
7Wolverhampton WanderersWolves30128103836244
8Watford30127114244-243
9West Ham UnitedWest Ham31126134146-542
10Leicester CityLeicester31125144043-341
11Everton31117134342140
12Bournemouth31115154356-1338
13Newcastle UnitedNewcastle3198143140-935
14Crystal Palace3096153641-533
15Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2996143242-1033
16Southampton3079143450-1630
17Burnley3186173559-2430
18Cardiff CityCardiff3084182757-3028
19Fulham3145222970-4117
20Huddersfield TownHuddersfield3135231857-3914

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