England’s likely line-up to face Slovakia with Southgate set to make just ONE change and Phil Foden to start
PHIL FODEN is set to start against Slovakia after returning to England training yesterday.
The Manchester City midfielder left the camp for the birth of his third child but took a private flight back to Germany ahead of the morning session.
Foden is set to keep his place in the team and the only change for the last-16 clash could be Kobbie Mainoo replacing Conor Gallagher in midfield.
Declan Rice and Kieran Trippier both trained yesterday after missing Thursday’s session so they look set to feature.
Luke Shaw, out since February with a hamstring injury, has also taken part in all of the sessions this week but he is likely to start on the substitute’s bench.
England topped Group C with five points from a possible nine after beating Serbia and managing draws against Denmark and Slovenia.
But the Three Lions have struggled to impress, scoring just two goals.
Following Tuesday’s 0-0 draw with Slovenia, Southgate said: “I understand the narrative towards me. That’s better for the team than it being towards them.
“But it’s creating an unusual environment to operate in. I’ve not seen any other team qualify and receive similar.
“I understand some of the reactions but it’s a strange environment we’re playing in.
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“I thought we were much improved with the ball, we’ve created some good openings and at the moment it’s hard work for us because we’re not quite getting that break in front of goal.
“So many things are starting to come together. We had a lot of issues coming into the tournament and today we looked more dangerous, we had a good impact from our substitutes, and we’ve got just now to convert our chances.”
England face Slovakia on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen.