England predicted lineup vs Malta - Euro 2024 qualifier
By Tom Gott
England will look for a third consecutive win to start their Euro 2024 qualification when they travel to face Malta on Friday.
Wins over both Italy and Ukraine have boosted morale among the Three Lions after their World Cup heartbreak and they will not expect any major issues from Malta, who are bottom of the group and no fewer than 167 places below them in FIFA's global rankings.
Here's how Gareth Southgate could set up for this one.
England predicted lineup vs Malta (4-3-3)
GK: Jordan Pickford - Pickford faces an almighty battle to fend off competition from Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale but, for now, there's no reason to think he'll be out of the team.
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold - With Reece James injured and Kyle Walker only just back from partying, Alexander-Arnold may be needed to get the job done.
CB: Marc Guehi - Similarly, John Stones' late arrival should open the door to Guehi, but don't be surprised if Levi Colwill gets the nod after helping out in training this week.
CB: Harry Maguire - Maguire will relish the chance to get away from club football and back into his comfort zone.
LB: Kieran Trippier - Luke Shaw is the only natural left-back in the squad and may be kept fresh for the North Macedonia game.
DM: Declan Rice - Rice isn't exactly a lone DM but he will be able to let the shackles off in a game like this.
CM: Conor Gallagher - With his Chelsea future uncertain, Gallagher may see this game as the chance to audition to scouts from across England.
CM: Ebere Eze - The Crystal Palace sensation is deserving of minutes and, with little pressure on this fixture, this would be the perfect time to introduce Eze to international action.
RW: Bukayo Saka - Saka definitely won't play the full 90 but resting him won't be easy due to the late arrivals of Jack Grealish and Phil Foden.
ST: Harry Kane - England's leading goalscorer will start the game and should add to his tally before being afforded a rest by Callum Wilson.
LW: Marcus Rashford - This feels like the perfect time for Rashford to re-establish himself in the England setup and the Man Utd star will be determined not to let this opportunity pass him by.