England are facing a crisis at left-back ahead of their final group stage game of Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate’s side may be without both Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier against Slovenia on Tuesday evening.
Pundits and fans have called for wholesale changes to England’s starting XI after the tepid 1-1 draw with Denmark last Thurday.
Here’s everything you need to know about England’s likely line-up to face Slovenia.
England team news vs Slovenia
England’s big injury news is that Trippier has been nursing a calf issue which forced him off against Denmark.
Trippier has been filling in for Luke Shaw, the only natural left-back in the squad, who currently appears unlikely to feature n Euro 2024 as his recovery continues.
Shaw is still in individual training, a step back after being included on the bench for England’s first game of the tournament.
But Trippier’s potential absence causes even greater problems for Southgate, leaving right-footed centre-backs Joe Gomez and Ezri Konsa as the primary options down the left.
Elsewhere, Southgate has a fully-fit attacking cohort to choose from, with the big debates of the tournament still raging at left-wing and centre-mid.
Premier League Player of the Year Phil Foden has been selected on the left in the previous two matches, but has come under criticism for failing to impact games.
Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon is another option in that position, offering more pace and directness.
And in central midfield, there are calls for one of Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold, who has occupied the role so far.
Right-back Alexander-Arnold has been criticised for unbalancing the midfield but has played a key role in creating chances for England.
Who will replace Kieran Trippier if he is not fit?
If no fit left-back is available, Gomez and Konsa are Southgate’s clearest choices to replace Trippier.
Gomez played consistently in the role for Liverpool this season and was included as the third-choice left-back, but Konsa’s versatility also brings him into consideration.
Southgate appears to prefer Konsa as a player, starting him against Bosnia and Herzegovina pre-tournament, but Gomez has more experience down the left.
But the trust Southgate has previously shown in Konsa indicates that the Aston Villa man may well get the nod if Trippier is ruled out.
England predicted line-up to face Slovenia
4-2-3-1: Pickford; Walker; Stones; Guehi; Konsa; Gallagher; Rice; Saka; Bellingham; Foden; Kane
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