On Saturday, England will face familiar opponents France, with a spot in the semi-finals at stake. The clash between the EURO 2020 runners-up and the reigning World Cup champions naturally has everyone buzzing in anticipation, and there is a great deal of curiosity as to which 22 players will make up the starting XIs for their respective teams.
Naturally, this has the rumor mill in overdrive, and reports from England have made the bold claim that Gareth Southgate could be making some big changes for Saturday's game. Indeed, the Three Lions boss may decide to leave Jude Bellingham on the bench.
It will appear to be a shocking decision, especially considering that the 19-year-old became the first player born in the 2000s to score at a World Cup when he found the back of the net during England's 6-2 rout of Iran on matchday one.
Since then, the Borussia Dortmund youngster has featured in all of his team's matches at this competition as a starter, so Saturday's game will be the first in which this doesn't happen. However, this is not due to any issues with his playing, but rather because Southgate could consider re-shaping his squad and changing formation to deal with the attacking threats France pose.
Of course, we will see if this report comes to pass and if Bellingham features in the starting XI, or is given some game-time off the bench. Whatever the outcome, England will come into their match with France knowing that Les Bleus present their toughest opponents - and biggest obstacle - if they hope to make it to the semi-finals and perhaps beyond.
