Predicted lineup for the Euro 2014 qualifier against San Marino.
England play San Marino tomorrow at Wembley, and Roy Hodgson will continue his habit of starting young players who are playing well in the Premier League.
Plenty of players will relish the chance to impress the England manager against the massed ranks of Sanmarinese defenders who will stop at nothing to prevent their side conceding more than five goals. James Milner is in great form but may still miss out as Roy goes for all-out-attack.
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Goalkeeper:
GK – Joe Hart – Manchester City
The stopper has been in uncertain form for Manchester City this year, and was dropped for the game at Hull last month. He has been consistent for England however, and will keep his place between the sticks.
Defenders:
RB – Nathaniel Clyne – Southampton
Clyne is in the midst of a breakthrough year at Southampton, and manager Ronald Koeman has praised him effusively. With John Stones out injured, Clyne should start for England at right-back, and have plenty of opportunities to get forward.
CB – Gary Cahill – Chelsea
Gary Cahill is one of the most experienced players in the new-look England side, and will lead the team from the back. Is likely to have a quiet evening, watching the match take place at the other end.
CB – Calum Chambers – Arsenal
The Arsenal player has played a lot for his club this season thanks to their injury problems, and Gareth Southgate has suggested he could go straight into the England team at cente-back.
LB – Leighton Baines – Everton
The Everton full-back disappointed at the World Cup after finally being given a chance in the side, but will have a great chance to make up for it tonight, with lots of chances to get forward and cross from the byline.
DMC – Jack Wilshere – Arsenal
In the last set of games Roy played a diamond with Wilshere at its base. It’s a controversial move given Jack’s attacking abilities, but he has the passing ability to play there and England don’t have many other options in that position.
MC – Jordan Henderson – Liverpool
The midfielder is on the verge of signing a new deal at Liverpool, and will cement his place in the new England side by playing in central midfield, slightly ahead of Wilshere.
MC – Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – Arsenal
Has not played every game for Arsenal this season but Roy likes his balance between attacking flair and defensive work-rate. Will hope to perform well to guarantee his selection in the future.
AMC – Raheem Sterling – Liverpool
Sterling has had most of his success for England and Liverpool “in the hole” and that’s where Roy is likely to play him against San Marino, who will struggle to track his movement between the lines.
Forwards:
FC – Danny Welbeck – Arsenal
Welbeck’s form for Arsenal, and his brace versus Switzerland last time out means he’ll surely get the nod from the beginning against San Marino, and should start alongside Rooney up top.
ST – Wayne Rooney – Manchester United
Has been pushed back into the hole for his club and will relish the chance to start up front again. Will consider his night a failure if he doesn’t score a couple.