Kobbie Mainoo for Conor Gallagher is expected to be the only change to England’s starting XI on Sunday.
England face Slovakia in Gelsenkirchen in the last 16 at Euro 2024 after topping their group – albeit in unconvincing fashion.
But Gareth Southgate will largely stick with his usual XI, except one change with Mainoo set to make his first competitive start at senior international level.
The impressive Manchester United star replaced the Chelsea ace at half-time against Slovenia on Tuesday in England’s final Group C match.
Kieran Trippier is expected to retain his spot at left-back after a positive fitness test on Saturday.
The Newcastle star has been a doubt going into the weekend as he was nursing a calf injury, forcing him to train away from the main group on Friday.
Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa had been primed to deputise for Trippier had he not recovered in time.
But Southgate is set to stick with the former Tottenham star, who returned to full training on Saturday, keeping the faith in his backline that has conceded just once this tournament.
Speaking in his press conference, Southgate was asked whether everybody in the squad is fit enough to start.
To which he said: “Luke Shaw is not available to start but everyone else is all good. We will see if Luke can play any part.”
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Mainoo and Rice is set to be the Three Lions’ third different midfield pairing at Euro 2024.
Gallagher had been a replacement for Trent Alexander-Arnold with Southgate still seeking a solid midfield partner to Declan Rice.
While Mainoo had a good effect on the game, some England fans might feel let down by the lack of changes made from Tuesday night.
A ponderous 0-0 draw did little to inspire the supporters, who were promised by Southgate that England would attack.
Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon made late appearances off the bench against Slovenia and looked full of attacking endeavour.
However, they will have to settle for a spot on the bench again on Sunday.
Southgate stressed the need for continuity, saying: “A team is never quite as poor as people might think, and never quite as good as people might think.
“You’re probably about five per cent off where you’d like to be. Therefore you’ve got to be very careful not to throw everything out the window, lose things you’re doing well and lose continuity and the confidence that comes from players playing together and the understanding that comes with that.
“You have to ignore external advice and be assured in what you’re doing. Equally, we’ve had some players who have come in and had a big impact from the bench.
“Our substitutions in all of the matches have had a big impact, and we’re mindful people are pushing for places, there’s competition, we need that strength in depth.
“The squad are very together. they’re training well, that’s pushing the starting team that’s been in place. The other players have to be ready; you might need five or six changes tomorrow, that’s over half the team now.
“It’s important that when players come on, they perform as the guys did the other night.”
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