Ezri Konsa is set to feature in England's starting XI against Croatia in Saturday evening's Nations League fixture, while two other players are expected to be dropped. Konsa was among several players who sat out England's midweek fixture against Czechia owing to a minor complaint, prompting speculation about the Arsenal defender's condition ahead of the Premier League's resumption next weekend.
Konsa selected, Rogers dropped
However, it is claimed that Konsa will be selected by Thomas Tuchel for Saturday's encounter at Stadion HNK Rijeka, according to The Sun. The same cannot be said for Morgan Rogers, though. While the Chelsea forward is understood to be completely fit and ready for selection, it is believed that Jude Bellingham will operate centrally and Anthony Gordon will be deployed on the left flank.
Defensive reshuffle expected
Tuchel is expected to field something close to his strongest available line-up for the penultimate Nations League match of the international window. Trevoh Chalobah, who played the full 90 minutes against Czechia on Tuesday, will reportedly be relegated to the substitutes' bench. Marc Guehi is instead expected to partner Konsa in central defence against Croatia.
Jarell Quansah will also be stationed at right-back, with Trent Alexander-Arnold again forced to watch from the sidelines. Jordan Pickford, meanwhile, will make his first appearance of the campaign in goal, ahead of James Trafford.
England's Nations League campaign so far
It has been a somewhat inconsistent tournament for England so far, with the Three Lions currently sitting second in Group C standings behind leaders Spain after two fixtures. England suffered a 3-2 defeat to the world champions at Wembley in their Nations League opener, with goals from Lamine Yamal, Alex Baena and Mikel Oyarzabal cancelling out strikes from Gordon and Harry Kane.
Tuchel's side showed improvement in their subsequent encounter against Czechia on Tuesday. Gordon and Kane once again got on the scoresheet following Pavel Sulc's sending-off in the 25th minute. Now, attention will turn to Saturday's fixture in Croatia to see whether England can build much-needed momentum as they approach the latter stages of the international break. England then conclude their opening Nations League spell with a home tie against Czechia at Wembley on Tuesday night.
