After three sluggish group-stage performances, England urgently need to find their groove against Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen. Should Gareth Southgate reshuffle his attack, and is it time to risk Luke Shaw at left-back? Our writers pick their starting XIs below …
David Hytner:
I would persist with Jude Bellingham in the No 10 role, despite his performances against Denmark and Slovenia. Bellingham has the potential to drive the team forward and will be fiercely motivated after the criticism he received. Phil Foden, who has had a turbulent week off the field, can affect the game off the bench. Kobbie Mainoo provides security on the ball and the ability to push the team up the pitch. It is time for Anthony Gordon on the left for his threat in behind and for balance, as Kieran Trippier will not overlap from left-back. Luke Shaw is still too risky to start after his long absence, especially with hopefully more games to come. Cole Palmer’s X-factor on the right can make a difference.
Jonathan Liew:
Shaw has to play. Pump him full of meds, strap an ice pack to his leg, anoint him if necessary. Mainoo, his Manchester United teammate, should be ahead of him, combining and decoying, and even interchanging. The direct running of Palmer completes the triangle on the left flank, complementing Harry Kane. Bellingham, who despite two bad games is still Jude Bellingham, should play in the right channel where his roaming instincts dovetail better with the more disciplined Bukayo Saka. This formation allows for a Shaw-Mainoo-Palmer axis on the left and a Saka-Bellingham-Kane combination on the right. It may lack some midfield muscle, but it plays to the strengths of the best players.
Paul MacInnes:
The defence has been solid so far, so there’s no need for change. Mainoo lifted everyone after his introduction against Slovenia and looks comfortable on any stage, so keep him in. Bring in Gordon for width on the left and Palmer on the right for his creativity. Foden, who is likely buzzing as a new dad, should play in his preferred No 10 role. They should rest Bellingham and Saka as they look tired. They can reassess the situation if England reach the quarter-finals.
Barney Ronay:
England’s problems are about control. They have too many players ineffectively crowding the creative spaces and too much space in deeper areas. Bellingham has looked tired, and trying to fit three players into the No 10 role has unbalanced the team. Southgate’s system relies on a careful structure. They can rotate or rest Saka and Foden, who are excellent players. Gordon and Palmer deserve a shot. Three disciplined midfield players who control the ball for the team can provide a good base. Kane, despite looking zombified, deserves a chance in a better structure. Shaw can be introduced later. A 1-0 win is still a win.
Jacob Steinberg:
England’s defence has been strong, so changing it might seem perverse. But they need to do something about the team’s quality in possession, and bringing in Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back could help. Walker isn’t overlapping enough, and Trippier provides no width on the left. Unless Shaw is fit, why not shift Walker to the left? England need to alter the dynamic. Mainoo is the obvious choice to start alongside Declan Rice in midfield, despite his weaknesses without the ball. Make the opposition worry about England’s strengths. Palmer should replace the jaded Saka on the right. More energy is needed. Gordon may not be a glamorous choice on the left, but he is direct and quick. Bellingham gets another chance only because Foden has missed some training this week.
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