England manager Gareth Southgate has been hit by three withdrawals ahead of their opening Euro 2024 qualifying Group C clash with reigning champions Italy on Thursday.

Marcus Rashford, Mason Mount and Nick Pope have all been forced to head back home with injuries, and only the latter has been replaced, with Fraser Forster joining the goalkeeping ranks.

Holding off the persistent threat of Aaron Ramsdale, Jordan Pickford should retain possession of the number one jersey, while Harry Maguire continues to play a key role for his country despite struggling to make the Manchester United first XI.

John Stones can expect to partner Maguire at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, while Reece James and Ben Chilwell have returned from injury to give Southgate food for thought, but Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw should hold their spots for now.

Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are shoo-ins for midfield starts, while Jordan Henderson could also force his way in, with neither Kalvin Phillips nor Conor Gallagher playing major roles for their clubs this season.

Bukayo Saka, the first Premier League player this season to reach double figures in goals and assists, will surely occupy the right flank, as Jack Grealish keeps Phil Foden at bay on the left.

Only one more goal is needed for Harry Kane to surpass Wayne Rooney as England's top goalscorer of all time, and the uncapped Ivan Toney will provide cover and competition to the Tottenham Hotspur talisman.

England possible starting lineup: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Henderson, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Grealish

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