Gareth Southgate is blessed with one of the most exciting squads at Euro 2024. But many England fans are wary of whether he knows how to use it properly to convert the talent into silverware. After making positive strides in the last three major tournaments, but with nothing to show for it, it is more important than ever that Southgate shows he has the mentality to win trophies.
England have an abundance of attacking talent, from captain and talisman Harry Kane to the likes of Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden. Fitting them all in will be mighty tough, so it begs the question; what is England’s strongest side? Well, we’ve tried to answer that very question ahead of their group games against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia.
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Formation – 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Pickford remains England’s undisputed No1, as he has been for the last three major tournaments. He continues to prove himself year upon year for both country and club, keeping 14 Premier League clean sheets in 2023-24.
Right-Back – Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Walker provides an element from defence that few are able to replicate. Lightning fast and incredibly strong, he is the nightmare opposite number for any winger in the world. His time in Pep Guardiola’s City squad has refined his tactical nous, as well as his positional play, making him a force to be reckoned with. The Premier League champion is also a huge figure in the dressing room, a natural leader both on and off the pitch.
Centre-Back – John Stones (Manchester City)
The classy and composed Stones is our first pick for the centre of defence. A physical presence with threat from set-pieces, which can be vital in tournament football, he has the tactical awareness to fuel England’s attacking play from the back. Trusted by all his colleagues on the ball and with endless amounts of quality, he has to start in Germany.
Centre-Back – Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
With Harry Maguire absent from the England squad with a calf injury, Euro 2024 could be the stage for Guehi to shine. The Palace defender missed a lot of the domestic season through injury but has been a regular member of Southgate’s squads in recent times. Good on the ball and a powerful defender, both aerially and on the ground, he could be the perfect partner for Stones.
Left-Back – Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United)
Trippier has been critical to Newcastle’s recent success. His attitude and quality are second to none and he represents what it means to be an England player. Although questions have been raised over him not being a natural left-back, it is a necessary move due to Luke Shaw’s fitness issues. Joe Gomez is another contender for this spot but Trippier is highly adaptable, so we’re sure he can deal with the challenge. He is also exceptional on set-pieces, providing service to England’s big men from corners and free-kicks.
Defensive Midfield – Declan Rice (Arsenal)
As featured in the NetBet Premier League Team of the Season, Rice has taken to life at Arsenal and then some, contributing far more than just passing excellence. Rice is one of the best midfielders in a league that is absolutely crammed with talent, demonstrating he has everything and more that you could want from a world-class operator. Rice controls games with his ability to win and retain the ball, all while chipping in with attacking support when required. He has to start every game for England at Euro 2024.
Defensive Midfield – Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)
A vital spot in Southgate’s side that is up for grabs, with a partner for Rice key to the whole system. Gallagher is industrious and determined with significant creative attributes on the ball. He is by no means in Germany to make up the numbers. Other considerations are Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton, with the only obstacle surrounding the young pair being age and experience, which could definitely be overlooked based on quality of performances. Surely Southgate couldn’t play Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield… could he?
Right Wing – Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
One of England’s primary attacking outlets, Saka fits the Southgate brief perfectly. He can receive wide and supply the strikers, playing more conservatively to retain and recycle the ball if needed. And on an individual level, Saka is one of the Premier League’s most exciting players. His ability in 1v1 situations is outstanding and he finishes like a top-quality striker. He has an aggressive style of play and creates chances whenever on the ball. Twenty goals and 14 assists across all competitions in 2023-24 speaks for itself, he has to start.
Attacking Midfield – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Bellingham is now one of the world’s best footballers, it’s as simple as that. His impressive La Liga campaign (19 goals and six assists) was matched by his success in the Champions League (four goals and five assists), the 20-year-old lifting both trophies. Bellingham’s creative play and range of passing are almost unmatched in the present day – and he just looks so composed on the ball. He is without doubt a key component of England’s strongest starting XI.
Left Wing – Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Champions League winner, six-time Premier League winner and the 2024 Premier League Player of the Season, what more needs to be said about Foden? There are few players who love the game the way the City star does and this translates in his football, where undeniable quality is matched by tireless work-rate. He dribbles past defenders as if they weren’t there and his finishing is sublime. If you’ve watched City in recent years, I don’t really need to explain why Foden has to start for England.
Striker – Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Kane put up the most goal involvements (44 goals and 12 assists) of any player in Europe’s top five leagues in 2023/24. The England captain is arguably the best striker – and unquestionably one of the finest players – in the world right now and is key to the Three Lions’ Euro 2024 hopes. He passes like the world’s best playmakers and possesses a range of finishing superior to even Erling Haaland. A truly special footballer and the perfect focal point for Southgate’s strategic objectives. If Kane plays well, England will play well.
England Euro 2024 Betting Tips
*Odds are correct at time of publication and subject to change
Harry Kane to be top scorer – 6.50
England to win Group C – 1.40
Jude Bellingham to win Young Player of the Tournament – 2.75
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