After a second consecutive European Championship final defeat, it is time to put the negatives to one side and look towards England’s future.
With Gareth Southgate stepping down as manager following the 2-1 loss to Spain in Berlin, a new face will be in charge for the tournaments over the next four years, tournaments the Three Lions will be desperate to win in order to end decades of hurt.
Here is NetBet‘s prediction for the Three Lions’ XI at Euro 2028…
Formation (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford
He will be well into his 30s by the time Euro 2028 rolls around. However, we cannot see anyone dethroning Pickford, who has never let England down at a major tournament.
Although if Aaron Ramsdale gets a good move away from Arsenal this summer, he may prove us wrong in four years time.
Right-Back – Reece James
This was a tough one, seeing as Trent Alexander-Arnold will only be 29 for Euro 2028. But there is just something about James that makes him impossible to leave out.
Already captain of Chelsea, he is the complete right-back when fully fit. Quick, strong, technically-gifted and a fantastic one-on-one defender, a long, successful international career beckons for him.
Centre-Back – Marc Guehi
Still only 24, Guehi was a standout performer for England at Euro 2024 and it looks like he will be a mainstay in the XI for many years to come.
Centre-Back – Jarrad Branthwaite
We are still surprised that Branthwaite was not part of Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 after his breakthrough season at Everton.
He combines modern-day elegance with old-school robustness, all while possessing a sweet left peg. In four years time, it would not be a surprise to see Branthwaite in the conversation to be the world’s best centre-back.
Left-Back – Lewis Hall
The 2023-24 season did not go to plan for Hall but he has now signed a permanent deal at Newcastle and will be looking to fulfil his enormous potential.
If he comes close to doing that, the left-back spot in England’s XI – which was the subject of much debate at Euro 2024 – is his for the taking.
Centre Midfield – Declan Rice
When Euro 2028 arrives, the already indispensable Rice will likely have close to (if not more than) 100 England caps and may even have the captain’s armband.
Centre Midfield – Kobbie Mainoo
It was a toss up between Mainoo and Adam Wharton, but we had to go with the former after his age-defying displays at Euro 2024.
If Mainoo continues on his current trajectory and avoids serious injury, there is no reason why he – like Rice – cannot rack up over 100 England caps.
Right Wing – Bukayo Saka
Already England’s best right winger by a considerable distance at the age of 22, Arsenal star Saka is well on course to achieve legendary status for his country.
Attacking Midfield – Jude Bellingham
Do we really need to say much else here? The present and future of the England national side.
Left Wing – Anthony Gordon
No Phil Foden? It was not an easy decision to make, but it seems clear that England need at least one winger with lightning pace.
Step forward, Gordon. The 23-year-old will be in his supposed prime at Euro 2028, which is a scary thought given that he tore up the Premier League last season at Newcastle.
Striker – Cole Palmer
Okay, hear us out here. We are not saying Palmer is going to become the perfect heir to Kane, as they are completely different players.
However, why could the free-scoring Chelsea star not operate as a false nine? Under the correct manager, it could be a stroke of genius and if it does not work, there will surely be plenty of out-and-out strikers to choose from.
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