England ‘leaked’ XI v Wales: Man City trio involved in World Cup clash

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Gareth Southgate is set to start Phil Foden against Wales, with the Manchester City star expected to come into the England manager’s line-up along with Marcus Rashford in a new-look front three.

The Three Lions are more or less through to the knockout stage already, only needing to avoid a four – or more – goal defeat to book their place in the next round. Though, to win the group, they may need to win, needing to win in the case Iran win or draw in the case USA defeat Iran, providing there isn’t a huge goal difference swing.

Ahead of the final group stage game, Gareth Southgate could make as many as four changes, according to the Daily Mail, and that could mean three Manchester City stars make the starting line-up.

While Harry Kane is expected to keep his place, the England captain is set to have Foden and Rashford either side of him, with Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling earning a rest.

Kyle Walker and Jordan Henderson are also set to play as Gareth Southgate prepares to stick with a back-four for the clash here in Doha.

England’s possible XI to play Wales: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Henderson, Rice, Bellingham, Foden, Kane, Rashford

Behind the scenes, Southgate has made clear to his players that any omissions from the starting XI should be viewed as rotation rather than anything more concrete.

The England staff have told their players that they intend to use the depths of the squad to combat the quick turnaround in matches and the stifling conditions here in Qatar.

Southgate does not want his players to be downhearted if they are not named in the starting XI or lose their place and has made this point to his players.

Kieran Trippier could also be rested, with Walker set to play at right-back alongside Harry Maguire, John Stones and Luke Shaw.

England are looking to finish off the group campaign in style and will qualify with a win, draw or defeat by fewer than four goals.

They are likely to play either Senegal or Ecuador in the last-16, providing Qatar don’t spring a surprise by beating Holland today.

Southgate will hope for a performance against Wales to carry momentum into the knockout stages.

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