England have six certain starters for blockbuster Germany Euro 2020 clash

John Stones

Many people were writing John Stones off 12 months ago, especially after Manchester City signed Ruben Dias and Nathan Ake.

But the former Everton star has turned his career around under Pep Guardiola and, these days, is one of the first names on the Spaniard’s team sheet.

Stones has started all three matches for England at Euro 2020 so far, helping them keep their opponents at bay in each game.

So, given how brilliant he is these days, it would be a major surprise to see the 27-year-old left on the bench.

Declan Rice

England have Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips both capable of playing in the defensive midfield role.

But Southgate’s preference appears to be Declan Rice, who has been a slick and smooth operator in all three of his outings so far.

Rice is a good asset for England, keeping the ball and snapping at the legs of opponents whenever the Three Lions are out of possession.

And he’s almost guaranteed to start, especially with Henderson still feeling his way back into action.

DON’T MISS

Pogba price set as Man Utd settle on replacement