Revealed: England and Slovakia’s expected XIs for tonight’s Euro crunch clash – with just ONE change expected from Gareth Southgate

Gareth Southgate is expected to make just one change to his starting line-up for tonight’s crucial Euro 2024 last-16 clash with Slovakia.

There have been calls for the Three Lions boss to ring the changes after an underwhelming group stage that saw England draw two of their three matches.

But Southgate is set to resist this temptation and will back his underperforming stars to finally come good in Gelsenkirchen.

Kobbie Mainoo is due to line up alongside Declan Rice in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with the Manchester United midfielder replacing Conor Gallagher after he was hauled off at half time in the 0-0 draw against Slovenia on Tuesday.

Southgate’s decision to avoid making radical alterations to his team means attacking trio Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka are all likely to retain their places.

Kobbie Mainoo is set to be the only change to England’s starting XI, as he is likely to replace Conor Gallagher

Southgate is set to keep faith with Jude Bellingham (left) and Phil Foden (right)

Southgate is also expected to start Bukayo Saka (left) ahead of Cole Palmer

Foden has struggled to find his best form on the left wing, while Bellingham has gone off the boil after starring in England’s opening game win against Serbia.

ITV pundit Ian Wright also suggested Saka could potentially switch to left back – a position he has previously played for Arsenal – to allow Cole Palmer to come into the starting XI.

Saka admitted earlier this week that he is ‘not the solution’ to England’s left back problem, and it appears Southgate agrees as he will keep him on the right wing for now.

Kieran Trippier is expected to stay at left back having been declared fit to play after missing two days of training with the main squad this week.

Meanwhile, Slovakia will be looking to cause a huge upset and Italian boss Francesco Calzona is due to play a 4-3-3 system to try to get the better of England, according to Sport.SK.

There will be a familiar face in goal, with Newcastle shot-stopper Martin Dubravka set to take the gloves, while the back four is likely to see Peter Pekarik and David Hancko as full backs, with the experienced duo of Denis Vavro and captain Milan Skriniar at the heart of the defence.

Slovakia captain Milan Skriniar (pictured) will be at the heart of his team’s defence

Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka (pictured) could have a key role to play in midfield for Slovakia

Skriniar plays his club football at PSG, while Hancko has been linked with a move to Liverpool after a fine season at Feyenoord.

Napoli’s Stanislav Lobotka will be key for Slovakia’s hopes at the base of the midfield, and he is set to be flanked by Juraj Kucka and former Norwich star Ondrej Duda.

Slovakia’s top scorer at the tournament, Ivan Schranz, will play on the right wing, with the pacy Lukas Haraslin on the opposite flank and Robert Bozenik from Boavista leading the line.

Slovakia have never previously beaten England, but did hold them to a goalless draw in their last tournament meeting back at Euro 2016.

A repeat of that result over 90 minutes would see the game go to extra time and potentially a dreaded penalty shootout, something which Southgate and Co will be keen to avoid.

Tonight will be Southgate’s 99th game in charge of England, and he knows he must get a victory to reach three figures, with Switzerland waiting for the winners in next Saturday’s quarter-final.