Foden IN? The changes England will make to their starting XI for FIFA World Cup clash vs. Wales

Topics: Phil Foden, Jordan Henderson, Kyle Walker, England, Wales, FIFA World Cup

Southgate is set to make changes to his lineup for their final group stage fixture as the Three Lions look to confirm their spot in the round of 16.

England are gearing up for their final FIFA World Cup group stage fixture, with the Three Lions taking on Wales in a highly-anticipated showdown.

While Bale and Co. enter this tie fighting for survival, Southgate's men have one foot in the round of 16 despite not having officially sealed their ticket. The European giants must simply avoid losing by four goals to progress, but the objective for the Euro 2020 runners-up will be to win Group B, which will be achieved by beating the Welsh.

As a result, many have been wondering whether Southgate will rotate for this fixture due to its importance or whether he will field a strong starting eleven. The Daily Mail have now answered this question, revealing that the manager will shake things up for their final group stage tie.

The British tabloid report that three players will start their first Qatar 2022 game in Tuesday's fixture. The first on this list is Jordan Henderson, the Liverpool captain who came off the bench for Jude Bellingham in the goalless draw against the USA.

The Anfield ace will likely start in place of the Dortmund superstar, a move which will likely spark frustration among the Three Lions fans given the admiration for Bellingham. However, the changes don't stop there.

Kyle Walker is a player who would have had minutes under his belt by now had it not been for injury. However, the Man City ace has regained fitness and should debut in this tournament. The question is whether Southgate will switch to a back five and have Walker play as the right-sided center-back or whether he will stick with the back four and swap out Kieran Trippier for Kyle.

And finally, there is the most talked about player: Phil Foden. The Cityzens sensation was left on the bench in their recent draw, stoking fury as many felt the 22-year-old merits a spot in Southgate's lineup, let alone a late cameo.

Nonetheless, the talented Englishman is expected to get his first start on Tuesday but the player who will be sacrificed for Phil was not clarified. The Etihad Stadium ace could come in for any one of Bukayo Saka, Mason Mount, and Raheem Sterling as all three failed to impress against the Stars and Stripes.

However, it should be pointed out that these changes are being made for rotational purposes only. Southgate wishes to combat fatigue and has not made these decisions simply due to form, which suggests he will likely revert back come the round of 16.