Football

Scotland vs England predicted lineups – will Southgate give youth a chance?

September 11, 2023 4:08 pm

Scotland vs England always promises to be a well-fought encounter, even when it is a friendly game, and this 150th anniversary match will be no exception. The hosts are in one of the best spells in recent years under the guidance of Steve Clarke, they are on the verge of Euro 2024 qualification having won all five games to date. Gareth Southgate’s England were on a similar trajectory in qualifying until a draw against Ukraine in Poland on Saturday ended their 100% record in qualifying. This game will be played at Hampden Park in Glasgow, Scotland in front of a sell out crowd on Tuesday at 19:45 local time.

Steve Clarke
Photo by Icon sport

Scotland vs England predicted lineups and news

The Tartan Army will be begging for Clarke to field a strong side at Hampden Park, as they feel this is the best chance to beat the Auld Enemy since their last victory in 1999. For Southagate this is a perfect opportunity to give some of the younger members of the squad a run out in a hostile environment without points on the line.

Team news: Scotland

Steve Clarke has favoured a back three or back five depending on the opponent, playing with a central striker supported by creative midfielders. With no fresh injuries from the impressive win over Cyprus they have a full squad to call on and Clarke is expected to set up a strong side. Lyndon Dykes could well take a starting role ahead of Che Adams, the Southampton striker has scored just once for the national team since November 2021.

John McGinn has been a favoured player in the creative role, he played alongside Manchester United’s Scott McTominay at the weekend. However, there is a chance that either Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie or Southampton’s Stuart Armstrong come into the starting XI to refresh the side.

Scoltand predicted lineup: 3-4-2-1

Gunn- Porteous, Hendry, Tierney – Hickey, Gilmour, McGregor, Robertson – McGinn, Christie – Dykes

Team news: England

Gareth Southgate named a relatively inexperienced squad for this FIFA international window with this game in mind. With players at big European sides such as Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Kyle Walker etc. all involved in Champions League football there will be pressure to give them a rest. Whatever personnel changes we might see it is unlikely the England boss will want to restructure his formation so we can expect a 4-3-3 or similar.

All 24 squad players trained on Monday ahead of the game and Kieran Trippier was chosen for the pre-match press conference, a hint he could have a starting role. With Saka withdrawn late on and having played so much football recently for club and country he is primed for a rest, especially with Foden a more than able replacement.

England predicted lineup: 4-3-3

Pickford -Trippier, Maguire, Colwill, Chilwell – Gallagher, Rice, Bellingham- Foden, Kane, Rashford

Will Jude Bellingham play today?

After failing to beat Ukraine there were some doubts over whether Gareth Southgate would want to tinker with his midfield three ahead of this friendly against Scotland. Bellingham was the first player subbed off in the draw despite a industrious performance that saw him involved in 14 duels and making four tackles (more than any player in the side). However, going forward, he was unable to make any key passes, or provide an accurate cross going forward, a deaprture from his recent Real Madrid form. Ultimately it will be hard to see Southgate dropping the Real Madrid star or even giving him a rest, because the 20 year 0ld has been such a key part of the midfield alongside Declan Rice. Reports suggest that he will start and instead it will be veteran Jordan Henderson who moves to the bench, either Conor Gallagher or Eberechi Eze will step into his role.

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