For the first time in the modern era, England arrive at a major tournament as favourites to lift the trophy, despite missing key players such as Harry Maguire and winning only one of their last five matches – including the recent shock 1-0 defeat to Iceland.
So, with positivity slightly hard to come by in the days leading up to the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday, we caught up with NetBet ambassador Ray Parlour to find out his ideal starting XI.
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Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford
No surprise here. Pickford has been England’s undisputed No1 for years now and has never let the Three Lions down at a major tournament.
Right-back – Kyle Walker
Again, another no-brainer really. Still a regular in an awesome Manchester City side and blessed with pace that an Olympic sprinter would be proud of, Walker’s spot in the England XI is under no threat whatsoever.
Centre-back – John Stones
Walker’s City colleague Stones has been one of the first names on Gareth Southgate’s team sheet for years now. Without the injured Maguire, the onus will be on Stones to deliver consistent and calm performances as the only senior centre-back at international level available.
Centre-back – Marc Guehi
Ray found it tough to pick between Guehi and Lewis Dunk, eventually opting for the former due to his ability to play on the left-hand side of a centre-back pairing. The Crystal Palace star has the chance to significantly elevate his status in the footballing world this summer.
Left-back – Kieran Trippier
With Luke Shaw still not fully match fit, Ray has opted for the sensible choice in Trippier. A dependable defender who poses a major threat from set-pieces, the Newcastle ace has experience playing on the left for England, so it should not be too much of a burden against Serbia.
Centre midfield – Declan Rice
Who else would it be, eh? An England non-negotiable for pretty much everyone associated with the Three Lions, Ray included. Rice shone in an attacking sense for Arsenal in the second half of 2023-24 but his primary task at Euro 2024 will be to shield a slightly makeshift back four.
Centre midfield – Trent Alexander-Arnold
Ray said: “I think Trent has a lot to offer in this position and Southgate believes he can do a good job.”
A bold choice? You could say that. However, both Alexander-Arnold’s experience inverting from right-back at Liverpool and his almost unrivalled creative abilities could be a game changer for England. A risk, but perhaps a risk worth taking against Serbia.
Right wing – Bukayo Saka
Ray said: “Saka is a hugely important player for England. Everyone knows Kane is the main man, but Saka can make the right-hand side position his own by putting in more performances like he has done for Arsenal to show he is one of the best players in Europe.”
Attacking midfield – Jude Bellingham
Bellingham took world football by storm in 2023-24, shining in a star-studded Real Madrid side to help them win both La Liga and the Champions League. The stage is set for the lad born in Stourbridge to make himself an England legend at the age of just 20.
Left wing – Phil Foden
Ray said: “This is Foden’s time to shine for England and he has to step up and be the star player for his country. Player of the Year in the Premier League, Foden has the tools to be England’s main man.”
Striker – Harry Kane
First name on the team sheet, simple. The England captain dazzled on debut at Bayern Munich and when it comes to tournament football, Kane rarely lets the Three Lions down. Well, apart from the penalty miss against France, which he will be desperate to make up for…
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