The five players we want to see Gareth Southgate give a chance to against Belgium
As much as we’ll hear over the next few days that the third place play-off isn’t an unwanted waste of everyone’s time, England need to try and make sure that is actually the case.
While finishing third and not fourth would be an extra feather in the cap, there’s no getting away from the fact both sets of players would rather be back at home or catching some sun on a beach somewhere with the Premier League season fast approaching.
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So while Gareth Southgate and his side will say all the right things in the build up the Belgium game, few people would argue flogging the starting XI we have come to enjoy watching would be a good move.
So here’s five changes Yahoo Sport hopes England will make on Saturday.
Jack Butland
Jordan Pickford has been outstanding in every game and is certainly in England’s top three players of the tournament.
But Butland deserves to get a go. If it was a close call between them at the start, he’s earned the right to walk out once – especially after Pickford played against Belgium when he didn’t have to in the third match.
Gary Cahill
England’s fourth choice centre-back didn’t let anyone down in the one game he did play. With Kyle Walker carrying an injury and unconvincing, he should get play.
More likely to be involved than Phil Jones, but still unsure over his international future.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Will be slightly gutted by Kieran Trippier’s incredible World Cup. Even a good showing against Belgium didn’t get him close to another start.
Now the right-back is injured he should play and certainly has a bright future.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek
One of the players you wonder about for two years down the line. Can he really push on and become a serious force at the Euros?
Young, hungry and good on the ball. This surely will be his chance to give us an extra reason to hope the future is bright.
Marcus Rashford
One big bonus for England would be if Marcus Rashford could score his first World Cup goal this weekend.
With Harry Kane chasing the Golden Boot, there’s every chance he will start so Raheem Sterling could be the one to make way.