England vs Malta is not exactly a fixture that screams thriller, but there is still plenty to look out for when the Three Lions host the European minnows on Friday evening.
With England having secured top spot in Group C and their ticket to Euro 2024 next summer, Southgate could use the visit of Malta as a chance to experiment with some of his fringe players.
The likes of Jude Bellingham and James Maddison have withdrawn through injury, with young Rico Lewis and Cole Palmer stepping in for potential debuts. Regardless of Southgate’s starting lineup, it should be a comfortable evening for his side.
Here is how England could line up against Malta on Friday.
GK: Sam Johnstone – While Jordan Pickford firmly remains Southgate’s number one, Johnstone could step in for his fifth England cap. The Crystal Palace goalkeeper has been in impressive form for the Eagles, keeping five clean sheets in the Premier League, and could be rewarded with another start.
RB: Rico Lewis – With Kyle Walker perhaps saved for North Macedonia next week, 18-year-old Lewis could replace his Manchester City teammate. It would be a first senior cap for the youngster, but he has already shown his quality in a sky blue shirt this season.
CB: Fikayo Tomori – It’s a pity that the Milan defender hasn’t been used more by Southgate. The former Chelsea centre-back is one of England’s best at present and should be given an opportunity against Malta – not that he’ll be tested too much.
CB: Marc Guehi – The Palace defender, who is also another Chelsea reject, could make his eighth national team appearance on Friday as he continues to climb the centre-back pecking order. A natural left-sided centre-back, he offers Southgate something different at the back.
LB: Kieran Trippier – There is not an out-and-out left-back in the current England squad, with the likes of Dan Burn and Tyrick Mitchell not considered. As a result, Trippier is the most obvious choice as Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell remain sidelined through injury.
CM: Trent Alexander-Arnold – The Liverpool defender featured further up the pitch in the 4-0 win over Malta in June, scoring a beautiful goal to cap an impressive display. Listed as a midfielder in England’s squad announcement, it seems Southgate has settled on Alexander-Arnold‘s new position.
CM: Declan Rice – With Kalvin Phillips only teaming up with the England squad later this week, Rice may be chosen to start. The Arsenal man will probably get a well-earned rest in one of England’s games though.
CM: Conor Gallagher – Gallagher has been a firm favourite of Southgate’s and is likely to get some more minutes over the international break. The midfielder has been in much stronger form for Chelsea this season and is starting to show his true self.
RW: Jarrod Bowen – The West Ham man has quietly been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, already producing eight goals and an assist in 12 matches. This Friday could be the perfect opportunity for Bowen to grab his first England goal.
ST: Ollie Watkins – Replacing Harry Kane is not a simple task, but one man who could give it a good go is Watkins. Aston Villa’s prolific forward scored the winner against Australia in a friendly last month and will be aiming to add to his three England goals.
LW: Marcus Rashford – Perhaps one way to get Rashford in form again is to let him feast against Malta on Friday. The Manchester United man needs a confidence boost, that’s for sure.
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