(Football news) England hasn’t yet reached the standards set by the eager public, in part because of an unbalanced lineup without a specialized left-back: After missing the first four games to recuperate from an injury, Luke Shaw made his Euro 2024 debut last weekend and is now eligible to start in the semifinal.

Shaw, who scored the first goal in the 2021 final, has said he is prepared to go for 90 minutes if needed, but Southgate, who is risk averse, would play it safe and start Kieran Trippier again before bringing on the Manchester United player later.

Another selection conundrum is expected in center defense, where Konsa brilliantly took Marc Guehi’s position after he was suspended and unable to participate in the penalty shootout victory over Switzerland. 

It will be a straight fight between the two to start alongside John Stones in midweek, but whether Southgate opts for a three or four-man back line remains to be seen.

Either way, Kobbie Mainoo’s place in midfield now seems assured, with Declan Rice joining last term’s breakthrough star in England’s engine room.

Though yet to fully click in the final third, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka provide an able supporting cast for captain Harry Kane, who was withdrawn due to cramp on Saturday.

Despite registering 44 goals and 12 assists during his first season at Bayern Munich, the latter has been below his best so far this summer; nonetheless, back-up strikers Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins must wait and hope to make their mark from off the bench.

England possible starting lineup: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi; Saka, Mainoo, Rice, Trippier; Bellingham, Foden; Kane

Also read: England might make 1 change to their lineup for Euro 2024 semifinals