A look at how England could line up against Italy with ESPN reporting news of injuries to both Danny Welbeck and Raheem Sterling, allowing for Roy Hodgson to possibly experiment with his tactics and include in-form youngster Harry Kane from the start.
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Here’s our pick for how the Three Lions could take to the field against Antonio Conte’s side, in a 3-5-2 formation not dissimilar to the one used by Manchester United this season:
GK: Joe Hart
Continuing in goal for England, Manchester City star Joe Hart deserves to keep his place as number one for Hodgson’s side.
DC: Phil Jones
After a solid performance against Lithuania, Phil Jones is a good candidate to continue as part of the defence, having played in a back three for Manchester United this season.
DC: Gary Cahill
Always first choice for England, Chelsea’s Gary Cahill should remain one of the three centre-backs for this big game against the Italians.
DC: Chris Smalling
Another United player who should slot in well to an adjusted backline, Chris Smalling could join Jones and Cahill as an additional central defender on Tuesday night.
MR: Nathaniel Clyne
Playing in a more advanced role as a wing-back, something he shouldn’t struggle with too much due to his attacking instincts, Nathaniel Clyne makes it into the lineup again for this game.
ML: Luke Shaw
Replacing Leighton Baines, youngster Luke Shaw deserves a shot at a starting spot for England and should be well suited to this left wing-back role for the Three Lions having played there for United this season.
MC: Michael Carrick
In central midfield, Michael Carrick showed his wortth for England against Lithuania and should be brought in as one of the more defensive options for the match against Italy, who have plenty of quality in that area of the pitch.
MC: Jordan Henderson
Another key midfield player for England, Jordan Henderson should start alongside Carrick again against Italy and will need to keep an eye on the likes of Marco Verratti.
MC: Ross Barkley
A more attack-minded option, Everton starlet Ross Barkley is a top talent and should use this game to develop, taking the place of the more defensive-minded Fabian Delph, who had a good game against Lithuania.
FC: Wayne Rooney
With no Welbeck or Sterling, it perhaps makes sense for England to revert to a straightforward front two for the Italy game, with Wayne Rooney of course one of the names starting upfront. The Three Lions captain has Bobby Charlton’s record in his sights and will hope to shine against top class opposition.
FC: Harry Kane
With a goal on his debut, Harry Kane may have earned a start anyway, though that seems all the more likely now with Welbeck and Sterling missing through injury. The 21-year-old has been on fire this season and should shine alongside Rooney in this supremely talented front pairing.
