A debut in the Euro finals? Southgate has plenty to think about as England tackle line-up question marks

England face their second European final in three years on Sunday. At the last Euro, they fell short against Italy, and this time they will challenge a spirited Spain. While the starting eleven is pretty much clear, Gareth Southgate is addressing some of the positions.

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The England national team manager is one of the most conservative coaches at the tournament. He has made only one change to the permanent line-up since the start of the Euros, replacing Trent Alexander Arnold in the middle of the park with the youthful Kobbie Mainoo.

The final scorer in the line-up?

England have had a problem at left-back all tournament, but that is Gareth Southgate’s own fault. After all, he only took one left-footed defender who hasn’t played a competitive game since February. So basically the whole tournament has been played by right-back Kieran Trippier in that position.

The Newcastle defender is weak defensively, and he’s really an orthodox right-back. When Luke Shaw, a true left back, came on from the bench at least for the play-off games, the centres that the far defenders on the pitch are from finally flew into the box.

Shaw played an important role in the last Euro final when he opened the scoring account for the game. Although Albion subsequently fell to penalties, a goal from the final will definitely give the players confidence, especially when it comes to defenders. And Shaw showed in 45 minutes against the Netherlands that he is fit and ready.

Pleasant worries at the end of the Euros

England have tightened up in all their games at the Euros so far, yet in no game have they held on to a qualifying result in the 80th minute.

Freshly finished strikers – Ivan Toney against Slovakia and Ollie Watkins in the duel with the Netherlands – helped her break the trend in the eighth and semi-finals.

Perhaps every other national team’s first choice at the tip of the attack are only picking up minutes by the dozen for England, but they always help the game. Captain Harry Kane, however, is simply the clear number one. And from the bench, only one is likely to get into the game in the event of a bad score.

Watkins is more complex, Toney is a penalty specialist. Toney is better to hit a long kick, while Watkins creates chances for his teammates and sends in a quality through ball. He had double figures in the Premier League this season in goals and assists.

Source: England national football team