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Bookmakers divided over Jack Grealish's chances of starting against Croatia

New boy Ben White 7-4 to make Gareth Southgate's first 11

England's Jack Grealish is hoping for a start against Croatia
England's Jack Grealish is hoping for a start against CroatiaCredit: Pool

Ben White has been confirmed as the replacement for the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold in England's 26-man squad for Euro 2020 and the Brighton defender is 7-4 to start against Croatia on Sunday.

White impressed manager Gareth Southgate as England beat Romania 1-0 in their final warm-up game on Sunday but bookmakers believe he is still behind John Stones and Tyrone Mings in the centre-back pecking order for the opening Group D game.

Manchester United's Harry Maguire is 21-10 to make the starting line-up as he recovers from an ankle injury that kept him out of the Europa League final and England's friendlies against Austria and Romania.

Stones, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Phil Foden and Harry Kane are rated bankers to start against Croatia at Wembley but Southgate still has some significant selection dilemmas.

Coral and Ladbrokes make Jack Grealish 4-7 to be in Sunday's starting line-up but he is a 5-4 shot with Betfair and Paddy Power.

The Aston Villa star won the penalty that was converted by Marcus Rashford against Romania and Grealish, Rashford and Raheem Sterling may be scrapping for one place if Southgate sticks with a 4-3-3 formation.

Jordan Henderson, who missed a spot-kick on his return to England action at the weekend, is 7-5 to start the opening game although his place in midfield is under threat from impressive Leeds man Kalvin Phillips, a 6-4 shot.

Villa's Mings is 11-10 to be one of Southgate's starting centre-backs while 7-4 chance White, who made his international debut as a substitute in last week's friendly win over Austria, is the same price as the more experienced Conor Coady.

Southgate's decision to replace right-back Alexander-Arnold with another centre-back could hint at a switch to a 3-5-2 formation with Walker playing as one of the three at the back.

That would free up a wing-back slot for Chelsea's Reece James (7-5 to start against Croatia) or 6-4 chance Kieran Trippier of Spanish champions Atletico Madrid.

England, 5-1 shots to win Euro 2020, are 4-5 to beat World Cup runners-up Croatia and 4-11 to top Group D.

Spain, who are 8-1 for the trophy, have had their build-up disrupted by a positive Covid-19 test for captain Sergio Busquets, who is likely to miss the first two group matches.

Spain's senior players are now self-isolating and unable to train so their Under-21s will take on Lithuania in Tuesday's friendly.

Luis Enrique named a squad of only 24 men for the finals and La Roja start their campaign against Sweden next Monday. The Swedes have been trimmed from 9-1 to 13-2 for victory in Sevilla.

England's likely starting 11 v Croatia

4-3-3 formation (Best odds to start)
Jordan Pickford (1-8); Kyle Walker (1-10), John Stones (1-20), Tyrone Mings (11-10), Luke Shaw (1-2); Jordan Henderson (7-5), Declan Rice (1-10), Mason Mount (1-16); Phil Foden (1-4), Harry Kane (1-20), Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford (both 10-11).

Next in line Jack Grealish (5-4), Reece James (7-5), Kalvin Phillips (6-4), Kieran Trippier (6-4), Ben White (7-4), Conor Coady (7-4), Ben Chilwell (15-8).

Based on best odds from Betfair, Coral, Ladbrokes & Paddy Power


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James MiltonRacing Post Sport

Published on 7 June 2021inInternational football

Last updated 15:53, 7 June 2021

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