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The England team has a limited number of four remaining matches to make a good impression on Gareth Southgate before he announces the squad for Euro 2024.
Southgate’s squad secured a spot in the upcoming tournament, to be held in Germany next year, after a impressive 3-1 victory against current title holders Italy at Wembley Stadium. This same location where they suffered a painful loss in a penalty shootout against the Italians in 2021.
Looking towards the future, England has two upcoming matches against lesser-known teams Malta and North Macedonia in November as their final Euro qualifiers. They will also have two friendly matches at Wembley in the spring.
The competition for spots is intense, intensified by Uefa’s statement that teams will go back to including 23 players, instead of the 26 allowed for the Euro 2020 and 2022 World Cup due to Covid.
Take a deeper look at the individuals traveling to Germany and those who may not be able to go.
On the plane
Harry Kane
The leader of England continues to be their main player on the field, both through his guidance and his scoring as he adds to his impressive record. Kane has quickly adapted to Bayern Munich and has praised the benefits of the Bundesliga’s mid-season break and having one less domestic cup to compete in. Southgate is counting on Kane to be healthy and energized for the European Championships.
Jude Bellingham
The young man, who is 20 years old, has rapidly become a key player for England. He consistently delivers exceptional performances for both his national team and his new team, Real Madrid, scoring goals and creating assists with his powerful runs from midfield. Bellingham is favored by Southgate to play as a No 10 alongside Kane, and this could mark the beginning of a successful partnership between England’s current captain and his potential successor.
Jude Bellingham has emerged as an integral member of England’s team.
(The Football Association via Getty Images)
Declan Rice
Rice has made a good start to life at Arsenal, and his importance at international level has grown immeasurably over the past few years to the point where he is crucial to how England play.
John Stones
The defender from Manchester City has been a reliable player for Southgate throughout the years, playing a crucial role in their successful runs at the 2018 World Cup and the previous Euros. Stones has earned 56 caps since the manager’s appointment in 2016, with only Kane and Harry Maguire having more. The limited options for center-backs further solidifies his place in the team.
Kyle Walker
The Manchester City defender’s experience, recovery rate, and skill in playing on the right side of a back three are crucial to Southgate’s plans.
Jordan Pickford
The goalkeeper for Everton has held the position as England’s top player for an extended period of time. This position appears to be secure, especially with the added difficulty Aaron Ramsdale is currently facing in maintaining his place on Arsenal’s team due to competition from new player David Raya.
Bukayo Saka
Saka, a well-known and reliable member of the current team, is quickly becoming a senior player with 11 goals in 30 games at the young age of 22. His adaptability on both the left and right sides, as well as his skill as an attacking wing-back, is valuable for a manager who frequently alters formations.
Bukayo Saka is a guaranteed member of England’s Euro 2024 team.
Phil Foden
Many people still discuss Foden’s potential, but he will be 24 years old during the Euros and is becoming more and more crucial to Pep Guardiola’s team at City. His exceptional ability to control the ball is something that sets him apart from other players in the England squad, and Southgate’s only challenge is figuring out how to utilize his attacking skills alongside other top players on the team.
Marcus Rashford
During the Southgate era, the Manchester United forward has scored 15 goals, placing him as the third highest goalscorer. This comes after Kane and Raheem Sterling. His quick speed and direct movements towards the goal from the left wing complement Kane’s tendency to drop back and connect plays. Additionally, he can also serve as an alternative as a No 9 if necessary.
Jack Grealish
The winger from City had to work to gain Southgate’s confidence, but now, at 28 and with a treble under his belt, he is a consistent member of the squad. The only uncertainty is whether the manager views him as a crucial player in the starting lineup or as a substitute who can make a big impact.
Kieran Trippier
Trippier, a top pick for Southgate, is guaranteed to make the team due to his expertise, ability to play as a full-back on either side, and exceptional set-piece deliveries. He may be a substitute when England uses a four-man defense, but is typically chosen as a wing-back when Walker joins the three-man backline.
Nearly there
Harry Maguire
The player from Manchester United, who is trusted by Southgate, was given a chance to start in the Euro 2024 qualifying match against Italy, showing another vote of confidence. However, the limited playing time for his club may lead to doubt from both fans and the media as the tournament approaches.
Aaron Ramsdale
The goalie is competing for a spot on the starting lineup at Arsenal alongside David Raya, but Mikel Arteta’s statements imply that the Spaniard has come to work together rather than take over the position. As long as Ramsdale keeps playing and performing effectively, he will remain on the team.
Luke Shaw
When fit, Shaw is the preferred left-back in this England team, bringing attacking threat on the overlap as well as long-standing relationships with both Maguire and Rashford at Manchester United. He has been out with a leg injury since mid-August and will need to reestablish himself amid competition from Ben Chilwell and Trippier.
Luke Shaw plays as the primary left-back for the English national team (Photo credit: Tim Goode/PA).
Kalvin Phillips
Similar to Maguire’s situation at United, Phillips is highly regarded by the manager. However, there is a concern about his limited playing time at Manchester City. Phillips has acknowledged that he may have to consider his future, but he is still considered a top choice among a limited group of central midfielders and has plenty of experience playing in major tournaments.
James Maddison
The midfielder faced injury during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which hindered his ability to play. However, his strong performance at the beginning of the season for Tottenham has earned him a spot in recent teams and Maddison is expected to serve as a backup to Bellingham in the No 10 position.
Ben Chilwell
The left-back for Chelsea did not participate in any games during the previous Euros and instead saw Shaw (and sometimes Trippier) take over that position. He has been unable to play this season due to a hamstring injury, but if he recovers and performs well, Chilwell should be selected for the team.
Jordan Henderson
During recent international matches at Wembley, the midfielder received negative reactions from England fans due to his transfer to the Saudi Pro League. However, this only solidified Southgate’s loyalty to the player. The manager highly regards Henderson’s professionalism, experience, and ability to lead in a team filled with young players.
In contention
Raheem Sterling
Southgate has praised Sterling’s potential inclusion in his team to the press, but the Chelsea winger has not been part of recent training sessions and will have to compete with Rashford and Grealish, among others, for a spot on the left side of England’s offensive lineup.
Sam Johnstone
The goalkeeper for Crystal Palace has surpassed Nick Pope in the competition to become England’s third-choice goalkeeper and performed admirably in a recent exhibition match against Australia.
Lewis Dunk
The captain of Brighton had to wait for five years to receive his second international cap, but has made the most of the chances he has been given in recent months. Dunk’s strength in the air and skill with the ball, developed while playing for Brighton under Roberto De Zerbi, are important qualities for a centre-back, which is currently a position of uncertainty for England.
Reece James
While the full-back is considered a top player when he is fully healthy, his inconsistency is worrisome, especially with a smaller 23-player roster this time. Additionally, James faces tough competition for a spot from players like Walker, Trippier, and Alexander-Arnold.
Reece James and Ben Chilwell have sustained injuries at the start of the season.
Marc Guehi
The England coaching staff holds a high opinion of the Palace defender and, at the age of 23, he could become a key player in the team’s defense. The center-back position is open for consideration at Euro 2024 and Guehi has a strong possibility of securing it.
Conor Gallagher
Gallagher has been bright and energetic in his cluster of England caps and is clearly valued by the manager, but other central midfielders are well-established internationals who will be tricky to usurp.
Ollie Watkins
Watkins is currently the top contender to serve as Kane’s backup at the Euros, as he has consistently delivered a strong performance with numerous goals and assists under Unai Emery’s management at Aston Villa.
Callum Wilson
However, Wilson is not too far behind, and when the Newcastle forward remains healthy, he tends to score goals consistently.
Work to do
Mason Mount
Similar to Sterling, Mount has been displaced from the English national team due to the rise of new talent and his own inconsistent performance for his new team, Manchester United. However, his season has been disrupted by injuries. He must improve his scoring and assisting abilities in order to be selected again.
Mason Mount has not yet found his rhythm at Manchester United.
Fikayo Tomori
Last year, Southgate received backlash for his criticism of the Milan defender’s frequent mistakes. However, Tomori has been performing well in Serie A and has been called back to join the England squad this fall.
James Ward-Prowse
The midfielder for West Ham is currently playing well for his team, but is not being selected for his national team. He has not been chosen for the last two major tournaments and has not been included in recent rosters. Some have suggested that he should replace Henderson in midfield, but Southgate has not been convinced to make the change yet.
Nick Pope
The goalie has been demoted from his position as England’s third-string keeper and must have a successful season with Newcastle in order to regain his spot.
Jarrod Bowen
Another West Ham player performing well. Bowen has displayed strong offensive potential in his five appearances so far, but will have tough competition for playing time as a winger.
Ivan Toney
In January, the Brentford forward will make a comeback after being suspended for betting. He will have five months to impress Southgate and will need to start performing well immediately.
Levi Colwill
The young Chelsea defender has solidified his position in Mauricio Pochettino’s squad and is capable of playing as both a centre-back and a left-back. At the age of 20, this tournament may be a bit premature for him as there are more experienced players ahead of him in the hierarchy.
Outside bets
Curtis Jones
Earlier in the season, Liverpool’s 22-year-old midfielder had secured a consistent spot in Jurgen Klopp’s team. Unfortunately, he was injured. If he can consistently impress at Anfield, it may catch the attention of Southgate.
Curtis Jones has made a promising start to the season (Martin Rickett/PA)
Ben White
The player from Arsenal withdrew from the 2022 World Cup due to personal reasons and has not rejoined the English team. It is uncertain if White would be interested in returning, but he remains a top performer for one of the top teams in the Premier League.
Eberechi Eze
The midfielder for Palace has a few appearances on the international stage, but will require an exceptional season to make it into the Euros team.
Morgan Gibbs-White
Gibbs-White has progressed through the ranks of England’s youth teams, but has yet to make an impact at the senior level. He played a significant role in England’s victory at the Under-21 European Championships this summer.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Previously considered the obvious backup to Harry Kane, Calvert-Lewin has faced challenges with both performance and mainly physical condition, causing him to drop in rank behind Watkins and Wilson.
Ezri Konsa
Konsa has become an integral member of the improving Aston Villa squad under Unai Emery, but has not been selected for a senior international team.
Eddie Nketiah
The leading scorer for England’s Under-21 team has only played in one game at the senior level. In order to secure a spot on the Euro 2024 team, he would need to have an exceptional season with Arsenal.
Predicting England’s Euro 2024 squad
The goalkeepers on the team are Pickford, Ramsdale, and Johnstone.
Some possible rewordings could include:
– “The defenders on the team are Walker, Alexander-Arnold, Trippier, Guehi, Stones, Dunk, Maguire, Shaw, and Chilwell.”
– “The players responsible for defending are Walker, Alexander-Arnold, Trippier, Guehi, Stones, Dunk, Maguire, Shaw, and Chilwell.”
– “The defensive lineup includes Walker, Alexander-Arnold, Trippier, Guehi, Stones, Dunk, Maguire, Shaw, and Chilwell.”
– “The back line is composed of Walker, Alexander-Arnold, Trippier, Guehi, Stones, Dunk, Maguire, Shaw, and Chilwell.”
As mentioned above, if this is a code or math formula that cannot be reworded in English, please specify and I will provide a different response.
The midfielders are Rice, Phillips, Henderson, Maddison, and Bellingham.
Players: Saka, Foden, Rashford, Grealish, Kane, Watkins.
Source: independent.co.uk
