England vs. Greece: Starting XI & Team News - Euro 2024 Qualifiers
The stage is set for a crucial Euro 2024 qualifier as England hosts Greece at Wembley Stadium. Both teams are looking to secure their spot in next year's tournament, making this a high-stakes encounter. Here's a breakdown of the expected starting lineups and team news for this pivotal match:
England Team News
Key Injuries:
- Reece James (knee) is still recovering and unlikely to feature.
- Bukayo Saka (knee) is a doubt, but could potentially be available for the bench.
- Phil Foden (minor knock) is expected to be fit for the match.
Possible Lineup:
England manager Gareth Southgate is likely to field a strong starting eleven, prioritizing attacking intent.
Formation: 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Defense: Kieran Trippier, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw
Midfield: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden
Attack: Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka (if fit, otherwise Jack Grealish)
Key Players to Watch:
- Harry Kane: The England captain is a prolific scorer and will be looking to lead the line effectively.
- Jude Bellingham: The young midfielder has been in exceptional form for Borussia Dortmund and is a vital part of England's creative engine.
- Raheem Sterling: The Chelsea winger brings pace and directness to the attack.
Greece Team News
Key Injuries:
- Kostas Manolas (knee) is out injured.
Possible Lineup:
Greece will likely adopt a more defensive approach, aiming to frustrate England and exploit opportunities on the counter-attack.
Formation: 4-5-1
Goalkeeper: Alexandros Paschalakis
Defense: Giorgos Tzavellas, Dimitris Siovas, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Panagiotis Retsos
Midfield: Andreas Bouchalakis, Sotiris Alexandropoulos, Giannis Bakakis, Giorgos Masouras, Tasos Bakasetas
Attack: Georgios Giakoumakis
Key Players to Watch:
- Tasos Bakasetas: The midfielder is a creative force and a key playmaker for Greece.
- Georgios Giakoumakis: The striker is a potent goal threat and will be looking to exploit any defensive vulnerabilities.
- Dimitris Siovas: The experienced defender will be crucial in containing England's attacking threat.
Match Prediction
England is the clear favorite in this match, boasting a strong squad and home advantage. However, Greece is a resilient side and could make life difficult for the Three Lions. A comfortable victory for England is likely, but expect a closely contested match with Greece potentially getting on the scoresheet.
Conclusion
The England vs. Greece match promises to be an exciting encounter with high stakes. With both teams aiming for victory, the battle for midfield dominance and the ability to create scoring opportunities will be crucial. Stay tuned for a thrilling match and a potential step closer to Euro 2024 qualification for England.