Just to kick this off with what would be my personal selection.
Reasons
Pickford's distribution was abysmal against Denmark and he looked flustered after making a few errors, giving the ball away to gift Denmark attacking opportunities and in not being awake for the Denmark free kick goal. Of course Southgate will still select him.
Shaw is another one that has been great going forward but remiss in defence. Often giving away the ball and also neglecting the LB space that he got away with against Denmark but I think Italy will exploit and make better use of. Trippier is better defensively and still good in attack.
Hendo hasn't started because of his lack of game time but has looked good every time he's been brought on. Playing both Rice and Philips maybe more defensively sound, or not, however you are missing Hendo's support to the attack, his excellent crossing and long passes to the flanks.
You can pick either Rice or Philips to drop however Philips looks more alive to situations and more mobile. Neither has done anything wrong but you want your best players on the pitch.
I've liked what I've seen from Saka but he does cough up possession a little too often. Sancho has better ball retention and better technical skills plus matches Saka's pace.
Grealish over Mount because of his ball retention, vision and unmatched ability to draw fouls. Also has a better shot, not that Mount is weak in any of those skills but not at Grealish's level. On the flip side we'd lose Mount's defensive nous as Grealish is far weaker in that regard. We know which way Southgate will go with this one.
Reasons
Pickford's distribution was abysmal against Denmark and he looked flustered after making a few errors, giving the ball away to gift Denmark attacking opportunities and in not being awake for the Denmark free kick goal. Of course Southgate will still select him.
Shaw is another one that has been great going forward but remiss in defence. Often giving away the ball and also neglecting the LB space that he got away with against Denmark but I think Italy will exploit and make better use of. Trippier is better defensively and still good in attack.
Hendo hasn't started because of his lack of game time but has looked good every time he's been brought on. Playing both Rice and Philips maybe more defensively sound, or not, however you are missing Hendo's support to the attack, his excellent crossing and long passes to the flanks.
You can pick either Rice or Philips to drop however Philips looks more alive to situations and more mobile. Neither has done anything wrong but you want your best players on the pitch.
I've liked what I've seen from Saka but he does cough up possession a little too often. Sancho has better ball retention and better technical skills plus matches Saka's pace.
Grealish over Mount because of his ball retention, vision and unmatched ability to draw fouls. Also has a better shot, not that Mount is weak in any of those skills but not at Grealish's level. On the flip side we'd lose Mount's defensive nous as Grealish is far weaker in that regard. We know which way Southgate will go with this one.
