Gareth Southgate set to DROP Jack Grealish and play a back four with Kieran Trippier at left back

Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell are both set to miss out on a starting place against Croatia, as Gareth Southgate is expected to start Kieran Trippier at left back for England’s Euro 2020 opener.

The Atletico Madrid man, who is a natural right back, is expected to get the nod as part of a back four for England alongside Tyrone Mings, John Stones and Kyle Walker. 

Jack Grealish is also set to be dropped out from the starting line-up, despite impressing for the Three Lions in their warm-up games ahead of the tournament.  

Ben Chilwell, Jack Grealish and Luke Shaw are all expected to start on the bench v Croatia 

Kieran Trippier is expected to get the surprise nod at left back over Chilwell and Shaw 

ENGLAND’S XI AND HOW SPORTSMAIL LED THE WAY…

England’s starting XI is set to feature the likes of Raheem Sterling and Tyrone Mings, as first revealed by Sportsmail’s Sami Mokbel on Friday.

To read how we led the way, CLICK HERE, and see below for the full expected XI vs Croatia today… 

GK: Jordan Pickford

RB: Kyle Walker

CB: John Stones

CB: Tyrone Mings

LB: Kieran Trippier

CDM: Declan Rice

CDM: Kalvin Phillips

CAM: Mason Mount

LW: Raheem Sterling

RW: Phil Foden

ST: Harry Kane  

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Kalvin Phillips is set to start in a midfield three alongside Declan Rice, with Mason Mount slightly ahead.

While up front there is no surprise that Harry Kane will start, and the wantaway Tottenham striker is expected to be joined by Manchester City duo Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden. 

It was previously reported by Sportsmail that there was a feeling within the camp that Grealish would begin on the bench, despite arguably being England’s best playing during pre-tournament friendlies.

Sterling has been one of Southgate’s untouchables in recent years but there had been some doubt over his starting place this summer after struggling for form with champions Manchester City this past season.

Southgate, though, is leaning towards keeping faith in Sterling and is expected to start, barring any late changes.   

Marcus Rashford is another favourite of Southgate but like Sterling he has also struggled for form in the latter stages of the season and is also carrying injuries. 

Foden, 21, has just six caps and no major tournament experience, but like Grealish has been in sensational form for his club and impressed for England.

Trippier’s inclusion at left back would surprise some despite starting the warm-up fixture against Austria at left back and then also the final 24 minutes against Romania.

It was thought he had played there due to Manchester United’s Shaw and Chelsea’s Chilwell being unavailable for selection due to their club exertions in the Europa League and Champions League finals respectively. 

Raheem Sterling is set to get the nod despite struggling for form this season with his club

Tyrone Mings (L) is expected to get the nod over Conor Coady (R) and Ben White in a back four

Yet, despite Shaw and Chilwell returning to the group, Trippier is currently expected to get the nod. 

There had been some suggestion that due to Harry Maguire’s injury, England could opt to play five at the back.

However, Southgate in training has been preparing with four at the back which would allow an extra attacking player in the starting line-up.

Aston Villa defender Mings’ place had been under some doubt following his first-half display against Romania last time out.

Kalvin Phillips is likely to start in a midfield three alongside Declan Rice and Mason Mount

But as a left-footer, he is the most natural for the left-sided centre back position and is expected to play alongside Stones, with Walker getting the nod over Chelsea’s Reece James at right back. 

Jordan Henderson returned to England in the second half of their friendly against Romania, but it was unlikely he would be deemed fit to start against Croatia after three months on the sidelines.

Jude Bellingham’s impressive performances for England had thrown up some suggestion he could start, though Phillips has played with Rice on numerous occasions over the past year for England and is set to start.