A general view of Newcastle United supporters waiting outside the stadium for news of the latest developments in the sale of the club to the Saudi sovereign wealth fund for 300 million-pound ($408 million) takeover in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England Thursday Oct. 7, 2021. (AP Photo/Scott Heppell)
Luke Shaw is not playing left back because Southgate has selected an identical lineup from Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Serbia. Kieran Trippier of Newcastle United is the new left back in this lineup. In an attempt to play in his first minutes of the competition this evening, Anthony Gordon is likewise sitting on the bench.
Shaw has been completely removed from the matchday roster due to a hamstring injury that has kept him out of action since February. Trippier wins his 50th England cap thanks to his performance.
With one game remaining, England would advance as group champions to the round of sixteen if they defeated Denmark. England leads Group C going into the match following Slovenia’s thrilling 1-1 tie with Serbia in Thursday’s early kickoff.
An unchanged line-up for The Three Lions also sees Phil Foden remain on the left wing and Trent Alexander-Arnold remain in midfield despite some criticism.
Former Newcastle and England striker Alan Shearer even suggested Trippier’s presence at left-back could have a negative impact on the side going forward.
“Is Phil Foden going to continue to play on the left hand side?” Shearer asked ahead of the match.
“I don’t think having a right-footed left back in Trippier helps Foden because every time you’re getting the ball, you are receiving it on the inside.”
England XI v Denmark: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Foden; Kane
Substitutes: Ramsdale, Konsa, Dunk, Gallagher, Toney, Gordon, Watkins, Bowen, Eze, Gomez, Henderson, Palmer, Wharton, Mainoo
