Selecting Our England Euro 2024 Squad:

(beIN SPORTS)

The countdown is well and truly on, as it’s less than 30 days till Euro 2024 kicks off in Germany. With Gareth Southgate set to announce his 26 man squad shortly, Lauren selected the players she would like to go on the plane.

Goalkeepers:

There should only be one contender for who wears number one jersey: Jordan Pickford. Pickford has enjoyed a fine season with Everton, and despite being down the bottom end of the table he has managed to rack up 14 clean sheets in 42 appearances. Only Arsenal’s David Raya bettered this number; and let’s face it Gabriel and William Saliba are an improvement on The Toffees’ Seamus Coleman and James Tarkowski. Pickford’s all-round game continues to improve with his shot-stopping and communication the pick of the bunch. With over 60 caps for England, he is a shoo-in for Euro 2024. As the 30 year-old reaches his prime, surely it’s only a matter of time that he gets the opportunity to play Champions League football?

(The Mirror)

What’s a much harder decision is which two goalkeepers join Pickford in Germany. Choices have become limited with players sustaining injuries or being dropped by their clubs. 31 year-old Sam Johnstone from Crystal Palace has been called up several times this season but has since become injured. Similarly, Newcastle’s Nick Pope has enjoyed several camps with England but sustained a shoulder injury in December and only returned to action on the final day of the season? Although it is unlikely second or third choice keepers will see any action in Germany, it is important that if they are called upon, that they are fit and match ready. Personally, I don’t think either have got enough game time underneath their belts. Then we have Aaron Ramsdale. After initially starting the season as Arsenal’s number one, he has since lost his place and has only managed 11 appearances this season. It is obvious he will get a move in the summer, and there is no doubt that a big team will come in for a player with a good all-round game. He can pull off saves just like Pickford and has the ability to distribute balls all over the pitch. Although his game time has been limited, he will be a great asset to the England squad, and having been on camps consistently for several years will enable continuity within the goalkeeper set-up.

I have chosen a sort of wildcard choice for my third goalkeeper. Not unfamiliar with International football, but uncapped under Southgate’s tenure, I have chosen 31 year-old Jack Butland. Last selected at Nations League 2019, he has enjoyed a tremendous season with Rangers across the Scottish border. With European football this campaign, Butland has featured 57 times and accumulated a staggering 25 clean sheets. It’s fair to say Butland is back to his best, and although the quality in Scotland is less superior to England, you cannot ignore the season that Butland has enjoyed. He would make a great addition to the team; arriving in Germany off the back of a strong campaign, full of confidence and already has the experience of tournament football.

Final Choices: Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Jack Butland.

Defenders:

I have selected two players per position with a back four in mind, although there are several players that have the versatility to play across the backline. So, let’s start with the right-back position as it’s fair to say we are gifted in this area! I have chosen Manchester City’s Kyle Walker and Newcastle’s Kieran Trippier. At 34 and 33 years-old respectively, it could be their last taste of tournament football. Walker has enjoyed a stellar season captaining City to their fourth consecutive Premier League title. 5 goal involvements in 46 appearances doesn’t set the world alight, but his defensive game is strong and we can’t forget he is the country’s fastest player. With 82 caps he is also one of the most experienced members of the squad. Trippier’s season has been disrupted slightly with injury but has still managed to feature 39 times and got involved at the other end of the pitch 12 times. His set-pieces are strong and can feature at left-back as well. I would love to take Ben White to Germany as he has been a part of Arsenal’s formidable defence over the last two seasons but has made himself unavailable – I hope this gets sorted as he would be a great versatile addition to the Lions squad. Chelsea’s Reece James has suffered a torrid two seasons of injury and has only just got back to match fitness. For me, it would be too big a risk to take the attacking full-back this summer. He needs a season or two of undisrupted football, and he will be ready to feature at the 2026 World Cup.

Moving on to left-backs. In the last Euros, Luke Shaw was the hero as he opened the scoring in the final versus Italy but he has sustained muscle injuries three times this season and there is still no information on his return date. Limited to just 15 appearances this campaign, there is no denying his talent but he is not fit enough to be a part of the 2024 squad. Like James, he needs a full season under his belt before returning to his best international football. The only other recognised left-back who is familiar to the England set-up is Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell. The 27 year-old has 21 caps under his belt but has yet to play at a tournament. His season has been slightly hampered by injury but has managed to play 21 times for Chelsea. His attacking prowess will support Southgate’s style of play so will be a great addition to the team, regardless if he plays as the first-choice left-back or not. My final choice for full-back is Liverpool’s Joe Gomez. The 27 year-old has enjoyed his best season for years, covering the Liverpool defence all over. His versatility would allow Southgate to play around with formations as he can comfortably play at either full-back position or as a centre-back. He has 13 caps for England and should add to that number this summer.

(BBC Sport)

The obvious centre-back partnership is Harry Maguire and John Stones; both who play strongly at international level. Maguire has played 31 times for Manchester United this season, with 6 goal involvements. His experience will prove undoubted in Germany. Stones has been on the sidelines this season but has found his match fitness at the right time. The 30 year-old has enjoyed playing in a new defensive role this season under Guardiola which Southgate could look to replicate with England. My other choices at centre-back are Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. Guehi has been part of Southgate’s selection for several seasons and the 23 year-old has enjoyed a strong season with Palace; since being linked with moves to bigger clubs. Branthwaite is uncapped at senior level but has enjoyed a breakthrough season with Everton, being a part of their strong defensive showing and also pitching in at the other end with some important goals. The 21 year-old tall defender would be a great addition to the squad, as he gets to experience senior tournament football for the first time. Branthwaite is certainly destined to become a first choice England centre-back so spending a tournament as back-up to some world class defenders would do him no harm at all. My other alternative options for centre-backs were Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa. He has enjoyed a strong season with Villa as they sustained a place in the Champions League football but Konsa has spent a majority of that time at right-back; a place which England is talented enough in already. Lewis Dunk of Brighton was my other choice. The Seagulls’ captain has played over 40 times this season, pitching in with goals too but I feel there are other centre-backs more deserving of a place in the squad. Dunk and Konsa would be ideal inclusions on the standby list though.

Final choices: Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Ben Chilwell, Joe Gomez, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Marc Guehi, Jarrad Branthwaite.

Midfielders:

(The Northern Daily Leader)

England’s midfield options are near on infinite, and there is no doubt Southgate will have a headache narrowing his players down in this area of the pitch. Declan Rice has just finished his first season with Arsenal and has accumulated his best contribution in front of goal with over 17 goals and assists. Rice is by far England’s best option as a defensive midfielder. Jude Bellingham is undoubtedly England’s best young talent. At just 20 years-old, Bellingham has enjoyed a stellar first campaign with Real Madrid with over 35 goals and assists in just 40 appearances. He helped lift the La Liga and will have the chance to claim the Champions League trophy shortly. Bellingham and Rice are easy picks for the starting eleven.

Elsewhere in midfield, I have gone for Trent Alexander-Arnold. The 25 year-old has played well this season for Liverpool although his goal involvements are fewer than normal but he has been on the sidelines with injury. There is no denying Alexander-Arnold’s talent, we just need to find the right place for him to play in the England squad. His set-pieces are phenomenal and will allow opportunities for others to get on the scoresheet from his free-kicks and corners. Conor Gallagher is another player I have selected. He has had a strong season with Chelsea, with 16 goals and assists from 50 appearances. The midfielder can play as a four, eight or ten so again provides versatility for Southgate. Tottenham’s James Maddison has made my 26 man squad. He average almost one goal involvement every two games last season, and again his set-pieces are pinpoint accurate. Maddison might not start every game but he can certainly influence the squad and provide another world-class option for Southgate in midfield.

Cole Palmer was rightfully Chelsea’s player of the year this season. The youngster proved his decision right in moving from Manchester City to London. He was second top scorer in the division, and managed to get involved in 42 goals in 48 appearances this season. Palmer is certainly deserving of a place in Germany, and should perhaps make a stake for a starting role. My final back-up choices for midfield are West Ham’s James Ward-Prowse and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo. I am a fan favourite of Ward-Prowse and I don’t think enough people realise his capabilities beyond set-pieces. Yes, his free-kicks and corners are world-class but his abilities in and out of possession should not go unnoticed. That’s why I think he deserves a place on the plane. Mainoo also makes it into my squad selection. His breakthrough year at Manchester United has seen him bench several world class players and at just 19 years-old he is fearless. I will admit I was sceptical at first about including him because he hasn’t played a full season of senior football but his performances on international duty last time out did not go unnoticed. He might not start any games but he can learn a lot from this Euros in preparation for upcoming tournaments in the future.

So that leaves several names off my list. A former star of England’s midfield, Kalvin Phillips January loan move to West Ham did no wonders. We know Phillips is a tremendous defensive footballer but he needs regular football and a move away from Manchester City is the only way he will do that. Unfortunately, Phillips should not be anywhere near the England squad. Jordan Henderson is another experienced England player but one that misses out on selection for me. His spell in Saudi Arabia was short lived but his time at Ajax hasn’t worked out much better either. Yes, he brings experience to the squad, but there is plenty of that already; for me a place is better rewarded to a younger upcoming player than Henderson.

Final choices: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher, James Maddison, Cole Palmer, James Ward-Prowse, Kobbie Mainoo.

Attackers:

I’ve selected my team based on the concept of playing 4-2-3-1; allowing England to have wingers, attacking midfielders and strikers. The fact the squad size has been increased from 23 to now 26 makes the decisions up front a bit easier. On the wings, I have chosen Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford and Antony Gordon. Saka has 34 goal involvements this season from 47 appearances for Arsenal, so for me is a guaranteed started on the right. Phil Foden has been voted PFA player of the year after enjoying his best season for Manchester City with 38 appearances in 52 appearances. Finding his best position will be hard in England’s squad but he has played his best football this season on the left wing. My back-up options for these two players are Marcus Rashford and Antony Gordon. Gordon has enjoyed a first full season with Newcastle. Not afraid to take a player on, Gordon has racked up 23 goals and assists in 48 appearances for Newcastle this season. The two caps he earned in the previous international break showed his class for England and would therefore add great depth to England’s attacking line. Rashford was a difficult choice to add to my selection. 13 goals and assists for Manchester United in 42 appearances doesn’t exactly set the world alight but there is not many other better options; and Rashford has always performed at a good level when called upon for England. We have not seen the best of Jack Grealish since he moved to Manchester City; 6 goal involvements in 36 appearances proves that. Jarrod Bowen has enjoyed a good season for West Ham with 30 goals and assists in 44 appearances, but David Moyes has mostly played him up front rather than on the wing. Jadon Sancho has played well for Dortmund since his January loan move but for me Rashford just edges it. Rashford won’t be a starter but his experience of the bench would be important.

(The Telegraph)

Without a doubt, the first name on the sheet is Harry Kane. Our Captain. England’s top scorer. No questions asked. His move to Bayern Munich hasn’t won him any trophies but he enters the tournament in top form. 44 goals and 12 assists in 45 appearances. The main question is, who deputises him? With squad sizes increasing, it has enabled the inclusion of two back-up strikers. I have gone for Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney. Watkins has enjoyed a stellar season with Aston Villa as they secured Champions League football for the first time since the competitions renaming. Watkins has 40 goals and assists in 52 appearances, so it’s safe to say he knows where the back of the net is. Toney has only been available since January following his betting ban, but he has 6 goals and assists in 17 appearances. I understand that’s not strikers’ form but there is undoubted talent there, he is one of the world’s best penalty takers and he plays a similar style of football to Kane. Those assets are enough for me to put him on the plane to Germany. That would mean Jarrod Bowen misses out but I feel what Toney can bring to the England squad is more valuable to Southgate than Bowen.

Final Choices: Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney.

So there we have it: our England Euro 2024 Squad. Make sure to comment down below your selection choices! Are they different to ours?