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Soccer

Former England striker urges Gareth Southgate to make one change for Denmark clash

Former England striker urges Gareth Southgate to make one change for Denmark clashADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
The team selection is once again a hot topic of discussion.

A common topic of discussion ahead of any England match is the starting line-up that manager Gareth Southgate will pick. 

At a tournament of Euro 2024's significance, the team selection is put under a microscope and following England's 1-0 win over Serbia on Sunday, there are some calls for changes ahead of the next game against Denmark on Thursday. 

One area of concern for England fans has been the defence, in particular at left back where Kieran Trippier has had to play due to first choice Luke Shaw not being fully fit.

Speaking to Lord Ping, former Three Lions striker Alan Smith believes starting Shaw is the only change Southgate needs to make when his team takes to the pitch in Frankfurt against the Danes. 

"The only thing would be whether Luke Shaw's fit. I don't know how close he is to fitness, he can’t be too far away, otherwise he wouldn't be in the squad. If he’s fit, then I think he’ll come back into the team," Smith said.

"Gareth Southgate will want to try and build continuity with his defence. In tournament football, you have to mix things up because the games come quickly. You want to keep that zip in your play and you want to keep players fresh and involved.

"I think we’re able to do that in every department apart from the defence, so the sooner Shaw can start working his way back into the team, the better."

Smith's wish may not come to fruition against Denmark, with Shaw training away from the rest of the squad on Wednesday casting doubts as to whether he will play a part in the match come Thursday evening. 

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