Gareth Southgate is hopeful several of his England players can strengthen their bids for a place in his Euro 2024 Finals squad when his side face Belgium on Tuesday.
The likes of Anthony Gordon, Ezra Konsa and Kobbie Mainoo all made appearances in Saturday’s narrow defeat against Brazil and Southgate has admitted he is looking forward to seeing the Three Lions go in against another strong opponent at Wembley.
Speaking to BBC Five Live after Saturday’s defeat, the England said: “We deliberately took two really high-level games and of course we’ve had to put out a very different team to the one we might have envisaged. So, we’ve still learned an awful lot ahead of the summer that’s really important. You know, some of these boys are pushing for starting positions, some are pushing for places in the squad. You need to see them against that sort of level of opposition to see if they’re going to be able to excel in the summer.”
Southgate will be without defensive duo Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker after injuries forced their return to Manchester United and Manchester City respectively and Crystal Palace goalkeeper Sam Johnstone is also back with his club after picking up a knock.
Ivan Toney seems to be a confirmed starter after Ollie Watkins was given the nod in the defeat against Brazil - but who could join the Brentford striker in the starting eleven? We have put together a leaked XI based on various reports of who could line-up on Tuesday night.
9. RW: Cole Palmer
The Chelsea star has been in stunning form for his club - and that could be rewarded with a start against Belgium. Photo: Catherine Ivill
10. LW: Marcus Rashford
Came off the bench on Saturday and could be back in the starting eleven against Belgium. | Getty Images
11. ST: Ivan Toney
The Brentford striker will start against Belgium after Southgate handed Ollie Watkins a chance to impress in the Brazil defeat. | Getty Images