How can England use Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Cole Palmer?

There are a few different ways the trio could fit into a 4-2-3-1.

One option is to play the three of them behind Harry Kane – or Ollie Watkins if the captain remains sidelined.

Palmer often plays on the right wing for Chelsea, Foden played on the left at Euro 2024 and Bellingham can play at number 10.

But the trio can all play in various positions across midfield and the front line.

Bukayo Saka usually starts on the right – although he is an injury doubt for Sunday – so Bellingham or Palmer could play next to Declan Rice in central midfield.

Another consideration is that Bellingham – while playing centrally a lot – got most of his touches for Real Madrid last season on the left wing.

Palmer, recently named England’s player of the season despite only starting twice, has been featuring as a number 10 for Chelsea this season. So he could also slot in behind Kane.

Since the start of 2023-24, he has been involved – either scoring or providing the assist – in 44 goals, more than anyone else in the Premier League.

“I was actually calling for Palmer to start as number 10 when Euro 2024 started, with Bellingham playing slightly deeper and Foden on the left, as a way of getting all three of them in the team,” BBC pundit Chris Sutton said.

“Obviously that didn’t happen – Palmer was used from the bench in Germany and had an impact that way.

“You simply cannot leave him out now, though.

“Carsley has got to find a way of getting him into the team, but it doesn’t have to be as the number 10 ahead of Foden or Bellingham because he can play off the right as well.

“I have always believed that if someone’s form is good, get them in. So, whether it is the right or in the middle, Carsley has to fit him in.”