Toney and Eze in, Palmer and Bellingham ditched – England predicted XI v Senegal
England host Senegal in an international friendly on Tuesday (10 June) evening, with Thomas Tuchel set to take the opportunity to rotate his side.
The former Chelsea boss could leave some of his Three Lions regulars on the bench, as he attempts to blood new talent ahead of the World Cup in 12 months time.
England were abysmal as they beat Andorra 1-0 on Saturday (7 June), with a second-half goal from Harry Kane the only thing separating Tuchel’s side from a nation ranked 174th in the world.
Senegal will be much tougher opponents at Wembley, and the visitors’ lineup could feature the likes of Ismaila Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, and Iliman Ndiaye.
Tuchel set to rotate
England number one Jordan Pickford is likely to drop to the bench to give Dean Henderson a start between the sticks.
Trevor Chalobah could be handed his Three Lions debut by his former Chelsea manager, with the Blues centre back set to line up next to his club teammate Levi Colwill.
Trent-Alexander Arnold has completed his move to Real Madrid and could start at right-back, with Miles Lewis-Skelly on the opposite flank.
Tuchel still seems unsure who to utilise in the holding midfield role next to Declan Rice, and Curtis Jones should be given the chance to impress after performing well against Andorra.
Eberechi Eze could leave Crystal Palace this summer, but the creative talent may be handed the opportunity to start at Wembley.
The changes in midfield would mean that both Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham are rested after poor displays against Andorra.
Noni Madueke should retain his place on the right, with Ivan Toney and Anthony Gordon completing the front three, as Harry Kane drops to the bench.
Tuchel needs to assess his full squad
Football Insider Verdict
Ironically, it could be friendly games that give Tuchel the best chance to assess his England squad, despite the fact the result is essentially meaningless.
There are a number of fringe players who are desperate for the opportunity to impress, and there are still places up for grabs ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
There are probably four nailed-on starters for the first game in North America next year, with Pickford, Bellingham, Rice and Kane the only ones who are guaranteed to line up for the tournament opener, bar any dramatic changes.
That leaves seven spots left to claim, which should provide a massive incentive to the players handed an opportunity by Tuchel on Tuesday evening.