England predicted lineup vs Albania – World Cup qualifier

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England welcome Albania to Wembley on Friday night as they enter the home stretch of their World Cup qualifying campaign.

The Three Lions are three points clear of Poland and so could book their place in Qatar with a win here, but that outcome is likely to roll over to the final matchday when England travel to San Marino.

Qualification sounds simple enough, right? Well, we all know that every English football team likes to do things the hard way, and that extends to the national side.

Now is not the time for experimentation, and with that in mind, here’s the starting XI Gareth Southgate could pick on Friday.

Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire, John StonesJordan Pickford, Harry Maguire, John Stones

Lots of northern accents, here / Eurasia Sport Images/GettyImages

Jordan Pickford (GK) – Think everyone left Euro 2020 in no doubt that Pickford is England’s best goalkeeper. That hasn’t changed.

Kyle Walker (RB) – Reece James is hot on his heels after a fast start to the season, but Southgate will need Walker’s seniority at the back here.

John Stones (CB) – Lost his Man City place to Aymeric Laporte this season, but still looks reliable on international duty at least.

Harry Maguire (CB) – It’s been a tough season so far for Maguire after such an exemplary Euros. But he’s still England’s best centre-back and will start.

Ben Chilwell (LB) – While Luke Shaw could miss the game altogether due to a concussion, it’s probably for the best that Chilwell starts this one regardless. One’s been amazing this season, one’s been on the receiving end of multiple Roy Keane rants.

Declan Rice, Phil FodenDeclan Rice, Phil Foden

The absolute boys / Visionhaus/GettyImages

Declan Rice (CM) – One of the Premier League’s best players so far this season, improving every single week.

Jordan Henderson (CM) – Not as impressive this campaign but England have missed another commanding presence in midfield.

Phil Foden (CM) – You’ve heard of ‚Pep’s FPL Roulette‘, well get ready for more ‚Foden Position Roulette‘! Expect him to start in midfield on Friday.

Harry Kane, Raheem SterlingHarry Kane, Raheem Sterling

England’s star men / Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/GettyImages

Raheem Sterling (RW) – Another player who hasn’t hit the ground running this year, but he’s one of Southgate’s most dependable players at this point.

Harry Kane (CF) – Amazing how we could just repeat Sterling’s entry for Kane, eh? Come on lads, get your act together.

Jack Grealish (LW) – England’s performance against Hungary notably dipped after Grealish was substituted. Needs to start to unlock the Albania defence one way or another.