With Gareth Southgate announcing his final 26-man squad, we’re just seven days away from England’s first game of the Euros campaign against Serbia. Germany awaits the Three Lions, but who should be in Southgate’s starting eleven against Serbia in their opening fixture…..
Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford
Pickford has been consistent ever since he took the number one jersey for England back in 2018. Although Ramsdale and Henderson are good and capable goalkeepers, Pickford is arguably one of the easier selections for Southgate.
Right-Back – Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander-Arnold possesses huge ability with his range of passing and vision and this can’t be underestimated. However his defensive ability has always had a question mark next to it. He’s been chosen as a midfielder in the squad, but this could be an opportunity for Southgate to play him in his more natural position, against a side we’re bound to dominate in terms of possession. Also with Luke Shaw not fit and Kieran Tripper not in the greatest form, the full-back area are positions where England are lacking in depth.
Centre-Back – John Stones
With Harry Maguire left out of the squad this is where England could have real worries, and John Stones needs to be fit for the entirety if England are going to win this tournament. The concern is that Stones for Manchester City this season, has featured more as a holding midfielder rather than playing as a centre-back. But there is no question he will be first choice in that role.
Centre-Back – Joe Gomez
Although Marc Guéhi looks favourite to partner Stones in Germany, I fear this stage could provide a problem for the Crystal Palace defender. A talented player and only still 23, he may be slightly out of his depth at this point of his career. What Joe Gomez brings is that experience and having played for Liverpool in the Champions League, this environment and pressure won’t phase him. The argument could be that he’s played more as a full-back than in the middle of the back four. Lewis Dunk could also be given the starting jersey as there is thought that he will be able to match Serbia’s biggest threat in Alexander Mitrovic, with his strength and aerial ability being his stronger attributes along with Dunk’s.
Left-Back – Kyle Walker
Performing in all big competitions and one of the best full-backs in Europe, Kyle Walker is a certainty to start. The small fear could be that he would be playing on the left rather than the right, but there’s no doubt he would be able to cope, especially in the group games.
Midfield – Declan Rice
One of the best in the world in the six role, Declan Rice will be a starter for Southgate. Having had another superb domestic season and showing that he’s not phased playing at a big six club and being involved in a title race, he’ll be critical in England’s journey to the finals.
Midfield – Jude Bellingham
One of the best young players in the world, Jude Bellingham can emulate what Gazza did in Italia 90, becoming England’s most influential player. Having just won the Champions League with Madrid, there’s every chance he could raise his stock even higher if possible.
Midfield – Phil Foden
PFA player of the year and City’s best player in their title winning campaign, Phil Foden has the opportunity and confidence now to demonstrate his attributes in an England shirt. The question with Foden over the years have been where does he fit in, but with England leaving individuals such as Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips at home, Southgate’s hand may be forced to play Foden in the middle of the park. An area where England fans have always wanted him to play, the risk is that Rice will have to cover a lot of ground behind if both Foden and Bellingham play further up the pitch, which they do for their clubs.
Wide-Forward – Bukayo Saka
Always consistent in an England shirt, Bukayo Saka will be sure to start for England in a front three. Which side would be the question, as he’s always played on the right but with no natural left forward in the squad apart from Anthony Gordon, it may be he plays there to accommodate another young superstar.
Wide-Forward – Cole Palmer
Gordon has had a fantastic season for Newcastle, arguably his best season in the Premier League, but there’s no getting away from Cole Palmer’s impact at Chelsea since joining last summer. Scoring 22 league goals in his first season at the club, he’s a talented individual with an incredible eye for goal. The ex Manchester City lad deserves a starting place alongside Saka.
Centre-Forward – Harry Kane
Harry Kane, aka Skipper, is England’s most important asset in front of goal. He will be sure to start every game and hopefully can lead the team to glory. Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney provide healthy competition, but there’s little chance of Kane not starting every fixture, unless England have the luxury of resting players in the final group stage game.
'Simon Says' 