Jack Grealish will finally START for England in his big chance to impress against the Czech Republic tonight… and could Bukayo Saka pip Jadon Sancho to come in for Phil Foden?
Jack Grealish is set to earn his first start of Euro 2020 against the Czech Republic tonight as a late replacement for Mason Mount.
Gareth Southgate has been forced to rip up his plans for the game after Mount and Ben Chilwell were told to self-isolate for 10 days, and Grealish is set to be the main beneficiary of their absence.
Harry Maguire is also pushing to make his first appearance since May 9 after recovering from an ankle ligament injury.
But it is the expected selection of Grealish that will capture the nation’s imagination.
Jack Grealish is in line to make his first start at Euro 2020 for England against Czech Republic
Gareth Southgate has been urged to unleash the Aston Villa player in the final group match
Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell are now unavailable to feature until at least June 28 after they were told by Public Health England to stay in isolation after contact with Scot Billy Gilmour
There has been a huge clamour for the Aston Villa star to be given a more prominent role in the England team during the tournament.
And Southgate, who could also hand Bukayo Saka his first appearance of the tournament tonight, is ready to unleash Grealish as England look to secure top spot in the group.
Mount and Chilwell are to miss the game against the Czechs after being forced to quarantine following a 25-minute rendezvous with Chelsea team-mate Billy Gilmour after last Friday’s draw against Scotland.
Gilmour has since tested positive for Covid and has been forced to quarantine for 10 days.
Arsenal teenager Bukayo Saka could be set to get his first appearance at the tournament
Fans want to see Jadon Sancho play but it appears Saka is more likely as an option out wide
Elsewhere, Kyle Walker is set to return at right back after being rested for the draw against Scotland on Friday.
Maguire is hopeful of joining the Manchester City star in defence after a seven week lay-off through injury.
There has also been indications that Saka is being considered to replace Phil Foden in attack after Southgate rejigged his team late last night after news of Mount, who was due to start the game, and Chilwell emerged.
The fact England have now qualified for the knockout stages will also have had an influence on Southgate’s changed team selection.
Southgate’s men reached the last-16 without kicking a ball on Monday night after Belgium and Denmark won their final group games against Finland and Russia, respectively.
Kyle Walker (left), who was rested against Scotland on Friday, is set to return at right back
England need to win their match on Tuesday at Wembley to finish as the winners of Group D
