My England Squad for the Euros
The year for the three lions?
With the Premier League season winding itself to a close, we now look ahead to this summer’s Euro 2024 tournament in Germany. As always, England are considered one of the favourites for the competition, boasting what many considered to be the strongest squad in a long time. The question is, who goes to Munich and who stays? Well, I thought I would break down my choices, and provide you with what Southgate should be looking at (not too many shocks, I promise).
Goalkeeper
Starting
Jordan Pickford — Surely a shoe-in, due to his heroics for my team Everton this season. The highest number of home clean sheets and some top quality saves.
On the Plane
Aaron Ramsdale — England’s second best. Like Pickford, capable of errors, but still a great shot stopper and worthy of a spot.
Jack Butland — With Nick Pope injured and other options being rather underwhelming, Butland’s impressive displays in Scotland should reward him a trip to the competition.
Defence
Starting
Kyle Walker — Despite my own personal opinions over his ability on both sides of the ball, he is a mainstay in this squad. Covering Maguire’s lack of pace is enough of a reason for me.
Harry Maguire — Whilst he may not be everybody’s cup of tea, you cannot deny his strong performances for England. The settled back 4 will only help him feel more comfortable.
John Stones — A former Everton defender, some could see this as nepotism by me, but he is the most non-English defender we have, as in his ball playing ability. Genuinely world class and our best central defender.
Ben Chilwell — With Luke Shaw a potential doubt for the Euros, we require an out-and-out left footed full back. His performances have not been the best this year, but Chilwell has it in his locker for the national side.
On the Plane
Kieran Trippier — Another stalwart in the Southgate England set-up, his versatility and defensive acumen is the key decision as to why he makes it in over Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Ezri Konsa — A player once maligned by Villa fans due to a lack of discipline and experience, Konsa is now an important piece in Emery’s defence. Another versatile and athletic defender as cover.
Jarrad Branthwaite — Maybe it is Everton bias, but I genuinely believe Branthwaite to be an unbelievable talent. His left foot, height, speed and playmaking chops gets him in over Tomori and Guehi for me.
Midfield
Starting
Declan Rice — One of the first names on the teamsheet. We have witnessed first hand how Rice, in a similar vein to Rodri at City, has transformed this Arsenal team. The one player we cannot replace.
Jude Bellingham — If he hadn’t already become a household name, his Madrid displays have certainly made him one. Possibly the best English talent of his generation, and the difference maker this year?
Bukayo Saka — We have already witnessed how great Saka is for England, and he will be on a mission to make up for the Euros last time. He has also now added a clinical edge to his game since his first tournament.
Cole Palmer — This time last year, nobody could have predicted this. But the City graduate is the 2nd top scorer in the Premier League, and a seriously impressive player. Plus, his penalty record bodes well.
Phil Foden — The PFA Player of the Year has enjoyed his best year of football, and we all hope he continues that form into the summer. I would like to see Palmer and Foden interchange positions during games, too.
On the Plane
Kobbie Mainoo — Due to a lack of suitable alternatives (Due to Philips lacking confidence and Henderson being a Saudi puppet), I would like a talent like Mainoo to be involved in the setup as soon as possible.
James Maddison — Despite struggling to hit the heights of the pre-Xmas period recently, Maddison is still an excellent option to bring on to unlock a defence and provide a little magic when required.
Jarrad Bowen — The star of Bowen continues to rise. Every season it seems that he gets better, and this year is no exception. I believe he will be the Jack Grealish of this tournament, forcing his way into Southgate’s thinking.
Jack Grealish — A very unique profile, Grealish offers England an outlet, both due to his direct style of play and ability to draw fouls. I would likely go to Bowen first, but Grealish is another strong option for England.
Raheem Sterling — What started out as a truly strong season opening has floundered as of late, but his speed and experience on the biggest stages will be good not only for England, but also to develop the younger stars.
Attack
Starting
Harry Kane — In his first season in Germany, Kane has not won a trophy. That does not stop him, however, from remaining in Munich as the top goalscorer and plenty of personal accolades. Maybe he is used to the city?
On the Plane
Ollie Watkins — England’s number 2 forward, and if not for Kane a certified starter. Prolific, strong and rapid, Watkins will be invaluable when making his way from the bench. I would like to see Kane and Watkins link up.
Dominic Solanke — This was tough between Solanke and Toney, however notwithstanding Toney’s penalty prowess, Solanke deserves the call up after his best ever goalscoring season in top flight football.
My Starting 11
