Weeks of speculation about Gareth Southgate’s starting squad for Euro 2024 will end this Sunday as England take to the field in their tournament opener against Serbia.
After a narrow victory against Bosnia and Herzegovina and a shock defeat at the hands of an unlikely Iceland side in pre-tournament friendlies, England desperately need a good start to Euro 2024 to boost their spirits.
Southgate has named a more testing squad than usual for this summer’s competition, with old favorites like Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling and Jack Grealish all missing out. Instead, some new faces have been given a big chance.
How many new England players will start this Sunday remains to be seen but the Three Lions will face Serbia in a draw. The playing guards say the forward line will be doing a tough job in Gelsenkirchen.
Here’s how England could line up for their Group C opener against Serbia at Euro 2024.
GK: Jordan Pickford – A confirmed starter for England throughout Euro 2024, Pickford is the man expected to man the net at another major international tournament following an encouraging season with Everton.
RB: Kyle Walker – With Trent Alexander-Arnold now a central midfielder and Reece James out of the squad after an injury-plagued campaign, Walker undoubtedly has one battle at right-back. However, he will need to improve when he plays against Iceland.
CB: John Stones – Back in training following a stomach bug, Stones is likely to start at the heart of England’s defense if he is close to full.
CB: Marc Guehi – After Harry Maguire missed the final squad with a calf problem, Guehi is now expected to partner Stones throughout the tournament. There is no doubting the quality of the Crystal Palace man, but he does not have much experience at world level.
LB: Kieran Trippier – Manchester United’s Luke Shaw has been included in the squad despite being injured since mid-February, but the left-back is still out of form. Orthodox defender Trippier should take his place, as he has done before.
CM: Trent Alexander-Arnold – The big question ahead of Sunday’s game is whether Southgate will employ Alexander-Arnold in midfield. Given the lack of clear elite options and the Liverpool man’s performances in recent friendlies, he got a start against Serbia.
CM: Declan Rice – The glue that holds England’s pitch together, Rice is crucial to the success of Euro 2024. Expected to play as a traditional midfielder, he will be key in defending a weak backline.
RM: Bukayo Saka – As there were doubts about the injury in the first game of the tournament, it looks like the Arsenal winner will be passed fit. His pace is vital for an England forward line that has not been blessed with it, although Chelsea’s Cole Palmer is a capable backup should Saka not be able to return.
AM: Jude Bellingham – After being crowned European champions with Real Madrid, Bellingham will be hoping to do the same with England. His recent performances have been disappointing, but he could still be the difference for the Three Lions.
LM: Phil Foden – Premier League Player of the Season, Foden could be moved to the left side against Serbia so that Bellingham can find a place as number ten. It’s not his most impactful role, but his high quality means he can slot in anywhere.
ST: Harry Kane – The captain will lead the line in England’s next major competition after an impressive goalscoring season with Bayern Munich. He finished last season with 44 goals and 12 assists in just 45 games.
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