England legend Stuart Pearce has named three players he will rest against Wales in the final game of the World Cup group stage.
A 0-0 draw with the United States puts England on the brink of the knockout stages.
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England weren’t at their best against the United States but are still on track for the World Cup knockout stage
This means Three Lions manager Gareth Southgate could make some changes to his starting XI, if he’s feeling brave enough.
With Harry Kane suffering a knock against Iran and other players not quite looking at their desired level of form, it could be the perfect time for a change.
And Pearce explained the three players he would drop from the bench and a trio he could bring in the critical clash with neighbors Wales on Tuesday – live on talkSPORT.
“A couple that I’d like to see not play would be my starting point because we can’t afford them to be injured for the knockout stages and beyond.
“Declan Rice, number one, Luke Shaw, number two, natural balance on the left side. We don’t have a natural left foot replacement there.
“They’re two individuals that I’m like, ‘there’s no way I’m going to play them, I have to keep them safe’.
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Rice has worked tirelessly in midfield so far
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Shaw is the only English left-back in the tournament
“Kane might be one of those who fall for that and I don’t think it would be a bad thing to see someone offering a run behind as a change, a Callum Wilson or someone of that ilk, or Rashford if he wants to play him in the middle to provide some energy from the start.
“There are definitely three there that I would probably make sure not to start in any way.”
On who else could come on the pitch, Pearce thinks some stars who are currently lacking in fitness should get some minutes against the Welsh.
He added: “I think you have to give Walker football if he’s available.
“I don’t know his physical condition at the moment but he gives you the possibility to play three at the back, he gives you the possibility to have rhythm at right-back, if you need it against wingers which will cause you a problem.
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Walker was on the bench against USA but Pearce thinks he needs playing time
“Kalvin Phillips is another. In an injury situation, he needs a few minutes, depending on the state of his physical prowess at that moment.
When asked if he would play Trent Alexander-Arnold, Pearce replied, “If Walker was fit to come, I probably would, is the answer. If Walker is fit, I would play him on the right side of the three and play Trent as a right-back.
“If I’m not looking to play Shaw, in a back-four someone has to play left-back and that person looks like Trippier, so if you move Tripper there, Trent could be your right-back at that. stadium. “
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