Raheem Sterling England 2018 World CupGetty Images

England team news: Sterling provides Kane support in quarter-final clash with Sweden

Raheem Sterling has retained his place in the England side and will once again provide attacking support for Harry Kane in a World Cup quarter-final clash with Sweden.

Having seen his team take in 120 minutes of last-16 action before overcoming Colombia on penalties, Gareth Southgate had the option to rotate tired legs out of his XI.

He has, however, resisted that urge and kept faith in those who have carried the Three Lions this far.

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That means Manchester City forward Sterling will operate off central striker and team captain Kane – who will be eager to add to his Golden Boot-leading six goals so far.

Dele Alli is also handed another start as the Tottenham man seeks to play his way back to peak form following an untimely knock.

Kieran Tripper and Ashley Young will provide width and ammunition from the flanks in wing-back berths, with a settled back three of Kyle Walker, John Stones and Harry Maguire looking for a first clean sheet.

Jordan Pickford could also do with a shut-out following his heroics in the shootout win over Colombia.

England team: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier, Lingard, Henderson, Alli, Young, Sterling Kane.

Sweden team: Olsen, Lindelof, Granqvist, Augustinsson, Krafth, Larsson, Ekdal, Forsberg, Claesson, Berg, Toivonen.

Sweden, who overcame Switzerland 1-0 in the second round, will be relying on Marcus Berg and Ola Toivonen to trouble England’s back line.

Reported Liverpool and Arsenal target Emil Forsberg will also be hoping to impress on the grandest of stages, while Manchester United defender Victor Lindelof will have his hands full dealing with Kane.

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