England vs Kosovo: Five players with a point to prove in Euro 2020 qualifier
There are plenty of places up for grabs in Gareth Southgate's starting XI ahead of Euro 2020
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England football are expected to record another victory this evening against Kosovo, especially given their unbeaten qualifying record over the last ten years which includes three consummate victories this campaign.
Whilst winning these games and playing the strongest team is important, injuries and rotation often means Gareth Southgate tinkers with his starting XI game by game.
Southgate has to establish his preferred tactics and personnel ahead of Euro 2020 at the end of this season, with players often having to adapt their club style of play to that of the national team.
Players like Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling are now part of the England furniture, but there are plenty of places to be won.
Here, we take a look at five players who should be making their case against Kosovo.
Sancho might consider himself unlucky to be benched against Bulgaria, having registered two goals and three assists for Borussia Dortmund this season in their opening three games.
With Raheem Sterling in world-class form, the former Manchester City academy prospect is competing with Marcus Rashford for a starting spot alongside Harry Kane in England’s attack.
Rashford has the advantage of playing in England – where there is far more media coverage and it is easier for Southgate to watch his games – so matches like this are crucial for Sancho to remind Southgate and England fans what he’s capable of.
Harry Maguire is another who seems to have nailed down a starting place, leaving one other centre back spot open.
John Stones has played regularly under Southgate in a three and two-man defence, but the Yorkshireman is injured, meaning Keane started against Bulgaria.
Everton’s defensive record this calendar year is stellar and Keane has been a significant factor in that, but he has yet to prove himself at a high level like Stones and Joe Gomez.
The Kosovo game is a great opportunity for him to prove he can partner Maguire in England’s defence and control the game against lesser opposition.
Big things were expected of Barkley after a fantastic pre-season with Chelsea, but save for one mazy run against Norwich he has not lived up to the hype.
He remains a good player – more creative than the likes of Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice and Harry Winks – but is in danger of being outdone by Mason Mount at club and international level.
By virtue of experience, Barkley is likely to get the nod over Mount and needs to use this game to showcase his abilities and be England’s driving creative force from midfield.
James Maddison and Ruben Loftus-Cheek are also competing for a start in midfield, but with the former uncapped and the latter injured, Barkley still has an advantage for now.
Another player who was perhaps a surprise omission against Bulgaria, Alexander-Arnold is one of four established right-backs Southgate has to choose from.
Kieran Trippier got the nod on Saturday, but played poorly last season after a fantastic World Cup, and has since moved to Atletico Madrid to rediscover some form.
With Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Kyle Walker also waiting in the wings, a poor showing against Kosovo could serve against Alexander-Arnold given the wealth of options at Southgate’s disposal.
The Liverpool man is by far the most technically gifted of the four, possessing a fantastic passing range as well crossing and set-piece abilities, and will need to demonstrate all of these qualities against Kosovo.
Declan Rice
Rice has burst onto the scene as West Ham’s answer to Sergio Busquets, and has played with some regularity under Southgate in his short England career.
He faces competition in the holding role from Henderson and Winks, although the former played alongside Rice and Barkley against Bulgaria.
Henderson and Winks have the advantage of playing Champions League football for big clubs. They are used to the demands of top level football whereas Rice has yet to experience this for West Ham.
England internationals are therefore the best place for him to show that he fits in alongside elite players and can play in a team that is expected to have the ball for most of the game.
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