sport news Euro 2020: The key questions facing Southgate for England v Czech Republic

sport news Euro 2020: The key questions facing Southgate for England v Czech Republic
sport news Euro 2020: The key questions facing Southgate for England v Czech Republic

The questions are swirling around the England camp as Gareth Southgate looks to kick-start what has been a stuttering Euro 2020 campaign so far.

The drab Scotland draw dampened the excitement after a gritty 1-0 win over Croatia and to assuage any fears in the camp that England have lost their way, Southgate has shown the squad examples of other teams who have overcome a slow start to win previous tournaments.

Furthermore, he gave a major vote of confidence to Harry Kane by announcing on Sunday that the England captain will start against Czech Republic on Tuesday despite his woeful form so far. So how does Southgate get the best out of his talisman? And where else should he stick, and where should he twist? Sportsmail assesses the big decisions

Gareth Southgate has already confirmed under fire Harry Kane starts against Czech Republic

Gareth Southgate has already confirmed under fire Harry Kane starts against Czech Republic 

TIME TO TALK ABOUT KANE

The Golden Boot winner of the 2018 World Cup has looked flat, out of confidence and even lacking match sharpness in England's two games so far. He has been taken off in both matches and against Scotland, was fortunate to be on the field for as long as 74 minutes before being replaced by Marcus Rashford.

But as Kane starts on Tuesday, scrutiny immediately falls to those around him. In the first two games, Kane has been backed up by Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Phil Foden and it feels inevitable that something will change there for the final group game.

Clamour is growing for Borussia Dortmund livewire Jadon Sancho - the man Manchester United will likely spend the best part of £100m on - to finally be unleashed. If the tournament had gone ahead 12 months ago, Sancho and Sterling would have been nailed-on starters in a 4-3-3 around Kane. Is that something Southgate could be tempted to return to?

Jadon Sancho hasn't played a minute yet for England at Euro 2020 but could face the Czechs

Jadon Sancho hasn't played a minute yet for England at Euro 2020 but could face the Czechs

Southgate has brought Marcus Rashford on in attack in both Euro matches so far

Southgate has brought Marcus Rashford on in attack in both Euro matches so far

Southgate is an admirer of Rashford as well - and has turned to the United man off the bench in both of England's group games so far. 

Rashford is comfortable on a flank of a three-man attack and Southgate might feel a more natural forward, rather than three attacking midfielders, might help Kane feel more supported and bring him into the game a bit more naturally.

GREALISH IN MIDFIELD?

There was an amusing moment in the Scotland match where the camera cut to Grealish tying his shoelace on the bench before getting ready to warm up. The Wembley crowd erupted in cheers and Grealish was visibly trying not to smile in recognition and maintain focus - but a small grin was there for all to see.

Everyone is desperate to see Grealish start from the off. If Southgate keeps the current 4-2-3-1 formation, then he's a contender to come in for one of Mount, Sterling and Foden. It was a curious, and unpopular, decision by Southgate to take Foden off for Grealish against Scotland.

Alternatively, Grealish could play in a midfield three if Southgate switches to a 4-3-3 setup, as could Mount as the more attacking one of the trio. Both are appealing options. Mount is appearing alongside Southgate at a media conference on Monday to preview the Czech Republic match - a sign

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