England predicted XI vs Ukraine as £30m Man Utd star replaced among three changes

Following the Lionesses’ inspiring run at the Women’s World Cup this summer, international focus is now on how far the England men’s team can go at Euro 2024. The qualifying rounds return this weekend and Gareth Southgate’s side are in a strong position at the top of the table, with maximum points after four wins from four.

The Three Lions have scored 15 goals and conceded just one so far, which came from Italy on the first game day. Since then, England have looked very comfortable and will take on Ukraine this Saturday, having last beaten North Macedonia 7-0 at Old Trafford.

The reverse fixture between England and Ukraine at Wembley saw star duo Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane on the scoresheet in a 2-0 win. The latter will captain his side for the first time since leaving Tottenham Hotspur to join Bayern Munich.

As England look to continue their 100 percent winning streak during the Euro 2024 qualifiers, let’s take a look at the latest team news coming out of the camp and how that could reflect on Southgate’s chosen 11 this weekend.

England injury news

A 24-man squad has been selected for September’s international window, which will see England take on Scotland in a friendly on the 12th, following their clash with Ukraine at Stadion Wrocław.

Alongside the vast experience within the team, Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah and Levi Colwill of Chelsea have received their first senior call-ups after impressing with their respective clubs. However, Southgate has been hit with several injury blows and is down two men from his initial 26-strong camp.

Both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jack Grealish have withdrawn from camp and no replacements have been called upon, despite calls in some quarters for West Ham duo James Ward-Prowse and Jarrod Bowen to be brought in.

Luke Shaw is another missing from the roster and has been tipped to be out for as long as ten weeks with a muscle injury. He joins his Manchester United teammate Mason Mount on the sidelines, as he too misses out on a call-up due to a potential six week injury. Across to the blue side of Manchester, John Stones has been left out as well as he recovers from a hip problem.

Tyrone Mings, who was called up for the camp in June, suffered a significant knee injury with Aston Villa and will be out for a lengthy period of time following surgery.

England predicted XI vs Ukraine

Due to the barrage of recent injury updates, Southgate will need to assess his options ahead of Ukraine. At least three changes will be made from the 11 that started against North Macedonia last time out.

Stones and Shaw’s absence leaves two gaps to fill across the back four, so it will more than likely be Ben Chilwell who gets the nod to start, considering he in the only natural left-back in the squad. There are at least more options to slot into the vacant centre-back role, though.

England have Lewis Dunk, Marc Guéhi, Fikayo Tomori and new boy Colwill to choose from to partner Harry Maguire, who has been a mainstay in England’s defence. Based on the fact Guéhi appears to be the next choice after Stones — following his start and full 90 minutes against Malta — the Crystal Palace man could be given the nod again.

In recent months, Alexander-Arnold has been exploring his role in midfield as opposed to his usual position at right-back. The Liverpool vice-captain started both June fixtures in the engine room and even bagged himself a goal against Malta but in his absence England will need a strong attacking option to work alongside the more defensive-minded Declan Rice and Jordan Henderson, who will more than likely both keep their starting spots.

Of course, it’s hard to imagine Southgate opting for anyone above Kane and Saka right now, considering the two have scored nine of England’s 15 goals during the qualifiers. Marcus Rashford also got himself on the scoresheet during the last match, so he may get the green light ahead of James Maddison this weekend, despite the new Tottenham Hotspur signing making a big statement in the Premier League right now.

Pickford; Walker, Guéhi, Maguire, Chilwell, Bellingham, Rice, Henderson, Saka, Kane, Rashford.