England need to quickly forget their 0-1 defeat to Brazil. In front of Gareth Southgate’s army is a friendly match with Belgium. Fans want the Three Lions to bring a fresh face and demonstrate convincing playing style.
With a quality staff in hand, Southgate has enough ‘materials’ to build a strong team. The 53-year-old strategist is likely to make some changes to the starting lineup compared to the loss to Brazil.
Ollie Watkins, Conor Gallagher and Ben Chilwell disappointed in the match against Brazil. That creates an opportunity for some other names to come out and score points with Southgate. This is also the right time to help Southgate finalize the optimal framework for the Three Lions towards the EURO 2024 finals.
In the wooden frame, Jordan Pickford is likely to continue to take the starting spot against Belgium. The Everton goalkeeper maintained stable performance and had a convincing performance against Brazil.
In the context of Sam Johnstone withdrawing due to injury, Aaron Ramsdale will act as Pickford’s backup. Ramsdale promises to bring a quality plan B in the home team’s wooden frame.
The defensive back four raises many questions for Southgate. Kyle Walker’s absence due to injury forced Southgate to look for a plan B for the right-back position. Joe Gomez has emerged as the most likely candidate currently.
This season, Gomez played well at Liverpool. Fans believe that the 26-year-old star will recreate his top form when he joins the team. On the opposite wing, Southgate does not have many quality options. Ben Chilwell is the top-class left-back right now while Luke Shaw is out.
In the central defender position, Harry Maguire’s withdrawal due to injury will create opportunities for other supporting players. Jarrad Branthwaite became a bright suggestion. Jarrad Branthwaite is considered by many experts to be a promising young midfielder in English football.
Mirror predicts that Jarrad Branthwaite will play alongside Lewis Dunk in the upcoming match against Belgium. Lewis Dunk will add experience and steel to the Three Lions defense.
The competition for positions in midfield is equally fierce. Kobbie Mainoo deserves a starting spot as he provided a wonderful 15 minutes against Brazil. The 18-year-old Morning Star provides energy, fresh breeze, and confidence for the midfield.
The duo of Jude Bellingham and Delcan Rice can get a break. Southgate is likely to give the starting role to James Maddison. The English midfielder shined at Tottenham Hotspur this season. Maddison provides additional creativity, his passes tearing apart the opponent’s defense.
Conor Gallagher is the remaining name, combining with Maddison and Mainoo to form the Three Lions’ midfield trio. The match against Belgium is an opportunity for Gallagher to ‘redeem his mistakes’ after an unimpressive performance against Brazil.
Finally, Southgate needs fresh air in attack . Harry Kane will rest. Ivan Toney deserves a chance in the number 9 role. Supporting Toney are Marcus Rashford and Jarrod Bowen.
Expected lineup of the Three Lions against Belgium : Pickford; Gomez, Dunk, Branthwaite, Chilwell; Mainoo, Gallagher, Maddison; Bowen, Toney, Rashford.
