England head into the 2024 European Championship as one of the tournament’s favourites after finishing runners-up in 2020.
The Three Lions came agonisingly close to ending their long trophy drought during the delayed 2020 edition, but lost on penalties to Roberto Mancini’s Italy after a 1-1 draw in normal time.
Gareth Southgate’s side then exited the 2022 World Cup at the quarter-final stage following a 2-1 loss to France – four years after a semi-final defeat to Croatia.
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At Euro 2024, England will be one of the favourites for glory and Southgate will have plenty of options to choose from after sublime individual seasons from many of his most talented players.
Below, FootballTransfers predicts England’s first-choice starting XI at Euro 2024.
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Everton shot-stopper Jordan Pickford has been England’s number one goalkeeper since 2018 and he remains Southgate’s first-choice ahead of this summer’s Euros.
Harry Maguire and John Stones are firmly the preferred centre-back duo and will be deployed at the heart of England’s defence in a back four system. The only concern is whether Maguire will be fit for the start of the Euros, but he is expected to be back.
Luke Shaw faces a race against time to be included in the Three Lions’ squad for the Euros after suffering another injury setback at Manchester United. Ben Chilwell is also an injury doubt, meaning Kieran Trippier is likely to start as England’s left-back.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is undoubtedly a sublime talent, but Southgate has typically preferred the more assured defensive presence of Kyle Walker and the Manchester City man will start Euro 2024 as first-choice.
Declan Rice will continue as England’s reliable midfield man, but Southgate’s biggest selection headache comes in the form of who will partner him in a double pivot. Conor Gallagher and Jordan Henderson are both options, but Kobbie Mainoo may get the nod after his impressive March international break and his form for Man Utd.
Jude Bellingham has excelled since joining Real Madrid and will be deployed as England’s No.10, while Bukayo Saka will provide the width on the right. Phil Foden is unquestionably better in central areas, but Southgate will likely shift him to the left flank.
Playing Bellingham next to Rice and utilising Foden as a No.10 is an option, although it’s one Southgate is likely to ignore unless England are chasing a game.
Three Lions captain and Bayern Munich star Harry Kane will lead the line.
GK: Jordan Pickford
RB: Kyle Walker
CB: John Stones
CB: Harry Maguire
LB: Kieran Trippier
CDM: Declan Rice
CDM: Kobbie Mainoo
RW: Bukayo Saka
CAM: Jude Bellingham
LW: Phil Foden
ST: Harry Kane
TBC.
