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GARETH SOUTHGATE was expected to make the changes and play his strongest XI against Belgium, the world number one, until Harry Kane was ruled out due to injury.
The Three Lions manager sent in an experimental eleven for Thursday’s friendly win over Wales.
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But the big shots, including Harry Kane and Jordan Henderson, were expected to return against Roberto Martinez’s team on Sunday night.
However, Tottenham star Kane suffered an injury in training and will now miss the big game.
That could give Dominic Calvert-Lewin, in shape, a chance to retain his place in the starting XI, having scored on his debut against Wales.
Despite calls from Nick Pope to keep his spot in goal given Jordan Pickford’s poor form at Everton, Southgate is expected to stay loyal to the Toffees cap and reinstall him.
The five-man defense worked well against Wales and the same system is likely to be used against Belgium’s dangerous attack, which includes Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will likely start on the right with Kieran Trippier on the opposite flank.
Harry Maguire should be called up as a central defender alongside Joe Gomez, with some reports suggesting that Kyle Walker could be a surprising starter as a central defender.
After impressing with a goal and a clean sheet Thursday, the Wolves’ Conor Coady could also sit in the middle of the three.
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If Southgate doesn’t give Coady his first competitive start with Tres Lions, Tottenham’s Eric Dier is expected to play.
Jordan Henderson and Declan Rice are in England’s best starting XI and Southgate’s decision to go 5-2-3 or 4-3-3 will determine whether they play alone or with Dier.
The top three should have picked themselves with Jadon Sancho again in contention after breaking the coronavirus rules with Ben Chilwell and Tammy Abraham.
The Borussia Dortmund star winger should have started on Kane’s right, but Calvert-Lewin should now be his attacking partner.
New MBE Marcus Rashford is expected to take the left spot in place of Thursday’s man of the game Jack Grealish.
The Aston Villa man could be a surprise inclusion after he shone against Wales, but Southgate is expected to remain loyal to Manchester United social superstar Rashford.
Alternatively, Grealish could take a deeper place in the heart of midfield after recently revealing that he would play any role just to don the Three Lions jersey.
England vs Belgium starts at 5pm on Sunday night.
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