'Leaked' England starting lineup vs Republic of Ireland as Trent Alexander-Arnold decision made
England are set to deploy Trent Alexander-Arnold in his natural right-back position, putting an end to the Euro 2024 experiment of him playing in midfield.
Interim manager Lee Carsley will select his first team as he hopes to secure the role permanently, with England facing Republic of Ireland on Saturday evening. This will be the Three Lions' first match since their defeat to Spain in the Euro 2024 final, with several players making a return.
Gareth Southgate made some tough calls in the summer, but two players he left out, Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish, are expected to make a comeback and go straight into the starting XI in Dublin.
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It could be a challenging night for Declan Rice, who started his international career with Ireland before deciding to represent England, where he has become a key player.
He is expected to feature in a midfield trio alongside Grealish and Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo. Marc Guehi, who had an impressive Euros, is set to continue as one of England's preferred centre-backs, with Chelsea's versatile defender Levi Colwill filling the problematic left-back position, reports the Mirror.
Alexander-Arnold's role has been a topic of discussion within the national team. Southgate was the first to try the Liverpool star in a more advanced role, hoping to capitalise on his distribution and creativity, but the 25 year old hasn't always seemed comfortable in the middle of the pitch.
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Jordan Pickford is set to keep his place in the starting line-up, despite stiff competition.
Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka are expected to continue their roles as key components of England's attack, with Anthony Gordon also getting an opportunity to prove himself. The Newcastle forward, who was recently part of Carsley's U21 team, was named the tournament's best player when they clinched the Euros last summer.
Several other young talents have been given unexpected call-ups and may make appearances from the bench in Dublin. Angel Gomes and Noni Madueke, both of whom have represented the U21s in recent years, could be among those making their debut as the progression through the age groups continues to yield results.