England team news leaked as Gareth Southgate makes bold call for Euro 2020 final

Gareth Southgate will reportedly make the big decision drop Bukayo Saka in the only change to his England line-up for tonight’s Euro 2020 final against Italy, as the Three Lions prepare to battle for their first-ever European Championship title. 

Saka set up the England’s equaliser in their 2-1 win over Denmark in the semi-final at Wembley Stadium. 

The Arsenal starlet darted into the penalty area and his cross was diverted into the net by Denmark defender Simon Kjaer.

Mikkel Damsgaard had given the Scandinavian side a shock lead on Wednesday, firing in a stunning 30-yards free kick.

But Saka’s excellent play forced an equaliser before Harry Kane scored in extra-time. 

JUST IN: Isco’s stance on Arsenal or Spurs transfer as Real schedule talks

It means that Kyle Walker will move into a right-sided central defensive role, as opposed to playing at right-back. 

The Manchester City defender is expected to play in a back three alongside club team-mate John Stones and Manchester United’s Harry Maguire. 

Luke Shaw is set to start at left wing-back and his crossing ability could be a strong asset to England with him being used higher up the pitch. 

There had been some calls for Jordan Henderson to come into midfield in place of either Declan Rice or Kalvin Phillips. 

However, just as he has done all tournament, Southgate has ignored outside pressure and will not change the midfield pairing that has worked so well.

England’s attack could either appear as one attacking midfielder and two forwards, or as two individuals moving around a centre-forward. 

Mason Mount and Raheem Sterling are set to support Kane in a three-pronged attack. 

Southgate must drop three players from his 26-man squad to form a 12-man substitutes’ bench. 

The 51-year-old was yesterday sweating on the fitness on Phil Foden, who missed England’s final training session before the squad departed their training base at St. George’s Park. 

Foden could be one of the unlucky trio. It would be quite a hit to the 21-year-old who was considered a key player and started the opening two matches of the tournament. 

“I said to the players on Thursday all of these other bits, the legacy bits they have achieved, people are respecting how they’ve been acting and respecting that they represent the country in the right way,” Southgate said on Thursday. 

“But now they have a choice of: ‘what colour medal?’ And that in the end is what, yesterday and today and tomorrow and the matchday are all about.”

source: express.co.uk