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With friendlies now over, manager, Gareth Southgate faces a tough selection headache over who will be on England’s plane to UEFA Euro 2024.
Having found themselves in a promising group with Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia, England certainly know that they have a strong chance of another deep run if can get everything spot on.
One of the biggest elements will be nailing his squad selection with a need for depth and versatility given that only 26 players can be part of the squad, which throws up some questions because the versatility will need to cover the prospect of injuries in various positions and need for tactical tweaks.
Southgate therefore faces a mammoth task of determining his squad by mid – late May at earliest, although some names are sure-fire to be straight in the squad so here is a look at which 26 players deserve to be on the plane to UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany.
Goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford is surely guaranteed his spot on the plane as first-choice goalkeeper, whilst Aaron Ramsdale will certainly head to the tournament as back-up despite not being out-right first choice at Arsenal.
Southgate however faces a headscratcher over the third goalkeeping spot because Nick Pope is still coming back from a shoulder injury, whilst Sam Johnstone (elbow) and Fraser Forster (foot) are currently absent which leaves an issue in terms of experience.
James Trafford therefore could well get the nod barely a year after he guided the Under-21s to Euro glory, unless he takes a bold gamble on a goalkeeper like Wes Foderingham or Jason Steele which might seem outrageous to a neutral fan but they’re probably last-resort options.
Defence
Kyle Walker, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier, John Stones, Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell all look set for guaranteed defensive selection if stay fit, leaving some spots wide open of which one spot will go to Joe Gomez if he continues his form.
Trent Alexander-Arnold also has to be another player likely to be called up given his quality plus added tactical versatility of playing in midfield as well as at right-back.
Ben White though could be part of the squad if Southgate can persuade him to return to the squad because he would add further versatility to the defence, otherwise Ezri Konsa could get the nod because Marc Guehi isn’t worth the risk due to his current injury unfortunately.
Midfield
Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher and Declan Rice just off the back of the head are certainly going to the tournament, given their importance in midfield, whilst James Maddison could also be in contention if he continues this season’s form.
Cole Palmer meanwhile has been in superb form for Chelsea this season and his versatility in attacking midfield will be a huge advantage tactically, especially went 4-2-3-1 in certain games as he, Bellingham and Maddison would make a strong attacking midfield.
For the last midfield spot, Kobbie Mainoo might of just justified his selection with an excellent debut performance against Belgium, but his major tournament inexperience could be a factor against him and in-turn open an unlikely door for James Ward-Prowse to return.
I however would expect Mainoo to get the nod over Ward-Prowse because sometimes taking risks with youth can yield great reward.
Forward
Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka all look sure-fire certainties for a spot in the squad given their quality and form alone.
Ollie Watkins also could be in the squad if he continues his form but he hasn’t exactly shone when leading the national line, which might just allow Ivan Toney to sneak in as the back-up recognised striker in case Kane gets injured.
I however can see both players going because Watkins if necessary could cover the flanks, whilst Toney occupy the central-forward role in event of a major injury crisis.
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