Gareth Southgate to make just one change to England starting XI vs Slovakia | Football

Gareth Southgate is likely to make just one change to his England side when they take on Slovakia in their last 16 match at Euro 2024.

The Three Lions have been heavily criticised for their underwhelming displays in the group stages of the competition where Southgate resisted the temptation to make major changes to his starting XI.

The England boss named unchanged teams for the first two games against Serbia and Denmark before bringing Conor Gallagher into the side to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in the final group match against Slovenia.

The Chelsea star was replaced at half-time that evening by Kobbie Mainoo, set to keep his place in the side on Sunday night.

Despite growing calls to make major changes to the side, The Guardian report Southgate is ‘not expected to do anything drastic’ and is leaning towards making just one change in bringing in the Manchester United star.

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Mainoo’s introduction lifted England on Tuesday with his partnership with Declan Rice in midfield offering more control and poise in the middle of the park.

The introduction of Cole Palmer after 70 minutes offered more hope with the Chelsea star linking well with teammates and offering a real attacking threat.

Anthony Gordon also impressed during the brief time he got on the pitch after coming on as a substitute in the 89^th minute.  

But Southgate is strongly considering sticking with the same attacking options he placed his faith in at the start of the competition.

In each of the three games so far in Germany, the manager has opted for Bukayo Saka on the right, Jude Bellingham in the middle and Phil Foden on the left supporting Harry Kane up front.

Despite heavy criticism directed at the manager, his tactics and the players, Southgate may is likely to stick with that quartet.

Foden left the England camp on Wednesday to return to the England for the birth of his third child.

The Manchester City star flew back to Germany on Thursday night and was back among the squad on Friday in training.

Southgate has been eager to get Luke Shaw back into the team for the knockout stages of the competition. The Manchester United star has not played any football since February due to a hamstring injury but has been stepping up his return in the England camp, now back in full training.

While he is making progress, reports suggest he is likely to be on the bench against Slovakia.

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