Gareth Southgate makes decision on Trent Alexander-Arnold's England spot at Euro 2024

Gareth Southgate is poised to name an unchanged team for the upcoming clash with Denmark, with England aiming to secure a spot in the knockout stages.

Southgate is set to continue with Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, as the rest of the team has been given a clean bill of health. Kieran Trippier, on the brink of his 50th cap, experienced cramp against Serbia but has participated in training before the Denmark match, and all players have reported fit.

After the game against Serbia, Southgate acknowledged the need for improvement, stressing that the team must find their form to progress in the Euros. The Three Lions manager also highlighted the squad's depth and competitive edge, praising Conor Gallagher and Jarrod Bowen for their contributions off the bench in the previous match.

However, the Mirror reports that Alexander-Arnold is in line to retain his place alongside Declan Rice in the heart of the team. Alexander-Arnold's move to midfield with Kyle Walker starting at right-back has stirred up much debate and his performance in the opening game did little to quieten the noise.

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Southgate said: "The guys backing up the XI does not have as many caps as we might have had in the past but as we saw with Gallagher and Bowen, there are players that are ready to come in and have an impact immediately.

"There are others that are training really well that we wouldn't hesitate to put into the game. So we need that internal competition. The players that are starting need to feel that.

"We are happy with the balance of the squad and also the way the energy and the attitude to training is excellent so we are very happy with the way they are working as a group at the moment."

Southgate has also delivered a tribute to Denmark's Christian Eriksen ahead of England's clash in Frankfurt on Thursday night. The Manchester United midfielder's remarkable recovery from a cardiac arrest during the Euros three years ago has been nothing short of inspirational.

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Southgate acknowledged not only Eriksen's resilience but also his current high level of play, which poses a significant threat to England. The England manager said: "He is a top quality player and he is probably going to be playing a little bit higher than the types of players that dictate the whole tempo of a game.

"But you know that the quality of his passing, his ability to score goals, the quality of his set plays is exceptional, absolutely exceptional. It is a real strength for Denmark. He is a player I have huge admiration for.

"On a human level, I am delighted to see him back playing. We were watching that game three years ago and it is really heartwarming to see him come back and score. It was almost written but it is only written if you have the mentality and the desire to get back and play, and play at the level he has."

England predicted lineup vs Denmark: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Alexander-Arnold; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane.