Gareth Southgate has named his starting lineup for England’s Euro 2024 qualifier away at Malta on Friday night.
The Three Lions take on the minnows at the Ta’ Qali National Stadium at 19:45 (BST) looking to maintain their 100% start in qualifying group C.
England are heavy favourites to win by a large scoreline, but Southgate has opted to play a strong team regardless.
His most eye-catching selection is Trent Alexander-Arnold in a midfield role, being given the number 10 shirt for the evening. Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier will play at right-back instead.
Harry Maguire keeps his place at centre-back, where he will be partnered by Crystal Palace youngster Marc Guehi.
James Maddison, who was recently relegated from the Premier League with Leicester City, keeps his place following England’s win against Ukraine in March.
Ebere Eze could make his senior England debut from the bench.
Southgate has also decided to name all five Manchester City players in his squad as substitutes following their treble-winning exploits and celebrations over the last fortnight – he notably warned Jack Grealish that there is ‘a line’ that shouldn’t be crossed.
England XI to face Malta: Pickford; Trippier, Guehi, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Alexander-Arnold, Henderson; Saka, Kane, Maddison
Substitutes: Ramsdale, Johnstone, Walker, Stones, Mings, Phillips, Gallagher, Eze, Grealish, Rashford, Foden, Wilson
