Liverpool star left out for ex-Anfield ace – England predicted XI v Albania
Liverpool supporters may be disappointed when Thomas Tuchel names his starting line-up for the clash with Albania on Friday.
The former Chelsea manager takes charge of the Three Lions for the first time on 21 March after being appointed in January.
Two Reds stars have been named in the squad but both Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah may not be involved against the Red and Blacks.
Jones and Quansah set to miss out v Albania
Between the sticks, Everton ace Jordan Pickford is expected to keep his place as the nation’s number one despite the change in management.
With Trent Alexander-Arnold out injured, Reece James is predicted to start at right-back with Myles Lewis-Skelly making his debut on the left flank.
Tuchel might decide to go with an experienced centre-back partnership of Marc Guehi and Dan Burn meaning Quansah will have to settle for a place on the bench.
In midfielder, former Reds captain Jordan Henderson is predicted to get the nod over Jones, with Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham operating further forward.
On the wings, Jarrod Bowen and Anthony Gordon are expected to be given a chance to show Tuchel what they can offer after featuring sporadically under Southgate while former Tottenham star Harry Kane continues to lead the line.
Liverpool stars can still make an impact for England
If they are forced to watch on from the substitutes bench as expected, the Reds stars could still make an impact in Tuchel’s first match.
Jones proved that the expectations of playing for the national team does not phase him after a brilliant display against Greece, where he scored his first goal for his country, was followed up by another against Ireland in November.
Meanwhile, Quansah has struggled under Arne Slot after a stunning breakthrough campaign under Jurgen Klopp last season but has stepped in admirably when needed and could be rewarded for his patience with a Three Lions debut.
It will be a great moment if either Anfield star makes an appearance but especially for the 22-year-old after the numerous setbacks that he has had to go through this campaign.