Reece James and Luke Shaw to start in England Euro 2020 clash with Scotland

Gareth Southgate is expected to ring the changes for England's Euro 2020 game against Scotland on Friday night, with Reece James and Luke Shaw both likely to be drafted into the starting XI.

The Three Lions boss' team sheet for his side's first outing of the tournament against Croatia included a few surprise choices, with Kieran Trippier deployed on the left of a back four and Kyle Walker on the opposite flank.

Many had expected James to be England's first-choice right-back after his stellar season with Chelsea, while Shaw was rumoured to be used on the left of a back three. However, neither played any part in the opening game.

England face Scotland on Friday night knowing a win will guarantee their place in the knockout rounds and The Telegraph report that both James and Shaw will be handed their first starts of the tournament.

Southgate hinted he could be looking to tweak his starting XI when asked about his preparations for this Friday's game, though he also added that he's keen to reward the players who performed so well in England's Euro 2020 opener last Sunday.

“Definitely [the team will be chosen based on the opposition], every opponent plays in a different style and tactically has a different approach,” he told reporters. “Scotland for the majority of their games have played with a back three and of course they may change, but you are preparing with that in mind.

Gareth Southgate has some big decisions to make | Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

"The spaces with the ball are different as well, so that is always the balance of we’ve got a good squad.

"We want to involve people in the tournament, we’ve got to show trust in them. But also when you’ve had a win there is something about rewarding players for that achievement and keeping continuity and those are the decisions I’ve got to make ahead of the game.”

Southgate has another defensive selection dilemma ahead of him with Harry Maguire now back in full training following a lengthy injury lay-off.

The Manchester United man hasn't played for well over a month since picking up an ankle injury against Aston Villa at the beginning of May, though he's unlikely to be risked on Friday night with Tyrone Mings expected to deputise once again.


Source : 90min