England’s Euro 2024 squad: Who’s on the plane ?

The final 23 has of course 23 spots ,and there are a lot more than 23  players who would love to be a part on that plane to Euro 2024. The abundance of talent the three Lions have been blessed with their recent pool of players ensures that it would be a pleasant headache for the England Gaffer to  sort out his final squad. 

Though he has some spots nailed on, other areas would require him to put on his thinking cap and as for those said players Gareth Southgate has to take a decision on time. It is not something that they can take lightly and would look to make every match from here on count  for the England players to impress manager Gareth Southgate and win a place in his 23-player squad for Euro 2024.

England are put together with Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia in Group C when they begin their journey  to win the tournament in Germany this summer and ensure that it is finally coming home.

Southgate’s side emerged as table toppers  in their qualifying group without defeat and are one of the favourites to lift the trophy in Germany on 14 July.  Given their recent  track record in major tournaments and the outstanding form of attacking duo Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham  in club football as well as International games this season.

But there are now just a few weeks of club football before the manager has to zero in on his provisional squad on 21 May, and the competition for places remains fierce as always

Here is a closer look at who is heading to the Euros,

Goalkeepers

Jordan Pickford

Jordan Pickford is more or less the chosen custodian for England despite his errors against Belgium and his superior ball playing ability as well as his winding up skills. Aaron Ramsdale has been reduced to second choice by Arteta this season which is really music to the ears for Pickford.

Aaron Ramsdale

Even though he is now down the pecking order at Arsenal, his chances of going to Germany are not affected at all. Despite his recent outings where he has faltered playing out from the back, he is the only like for like number 2 available for Pickford at the moment.

Nick Pope

The Newcastle keeper still needs to get back on the pitch before the end of the season but there is an opportunity now Sam Johnstone has gone under the knife and is set to miss the Euros with an elbow injury. Pope is expected back later this month which gives a little bit of time to prove his fitness before the tournament.

Defenders

John Stones

The Manchester City centre half is arguably one of the most complete and most improved centre backs throughout the past few years .And the ball playing Centre back who has been a mainstay in his setup for years and was also instrumental in the 2018 World Cup run secures a spot at the back with ease.

Harry Maguire

The Manchester United defender is one of Southgate’s most trusted players and he remains the most likely partner for Stones at Euro 2024, in what will be their fourth tournament together. Even though he has been subjected to a lot of trolling throughout his time at Old Trafford and at times with England too, Harry is gaining his form at the right time under Ten Hag  and having enough credit in the at International stage.

Kyle Walker

With 61  senior caps, he is one of the most experienced members of the squad who has one of the best recovery pace ability for a defender and is versatile on top of that. He is also capable of playing both as a CB and LB. He is a surety bar any injury.

Kieran Trippier

One of Southgate’s trusted, Trippier is a certainty to be part of the squad for his experience, versatility and his set-piece delivery. Like Walker, his experience and versatility is something that Southgate values a lot and he is likely to feature in this Euros too.

Marc Guehi

Even though Guehi is flying high for the ever present mid table fixture Crystal Palace, his recent injury issues could pose a significant issues to his EUROS ambition but will still count himself in the contention to be on the plane for the three lions.

Ezri Konsa

There will be one remaining centre-back slot up for grabs, and Konsa is making an excellent case for himself in front of Lewis Dunk, Fikayo Tomori or the versatile Levi Colwill.

Luke Shaw

Ten Hag says his left-back will be back in action before the end of the season and that would give Southgate a huge boost. Ben Chilwell has returned to action after an injury but he did not play well against Brazil before improving in the draw with Belgium. Trippier can cover on the left, but it will need a specialist in that position.

Midfield

Jordan Henderson

Jordan Henderson is still in contention and one of  the most trusted troops for Southgate over the years both as a cover for Rice and as an influential dressing room figure owing to his many years of service for the three lions.

Declan Rice

Rice is cooking for both Arsenal and England and is a vital cog in the wheel for both Southgate and Arteta. His presence in the middle of the park is something that is crucial if they are to bring it home. 

Trent Alexander-Arnold

Alexander-Arnold the fullback would struggle to make the cut, but Trent the deep lying ball playing midfield maestro and crossing and dead ball merchant is one hundred percent going to the Euros.

Kobbie Mainoo

Mainoo has burst onto the scene for both Manchester United and England within the space of 12 months and with his  first senior start for England against Belgium. Given the dearth of midfield options, Mainoo may well have secured his place for the Euros squad – and indeed the starting XI.

Forwards

Phil Foden

Foden is on fire and arguably the best player alongside Haaland at City and the most exciting attacking young gun beside Saka and Bellingham for England. He would surely look forward to the Euros and the scary part is that he would only be 24 when the Euros will come around. 

Bukayo Saka

Another young and versatile Golden Boy for England, Saka can slot in as a right winger or as an attacking wing back like he does for England  and 11 goals in 22 outings. He would  also have the added motivation of righting the wrongs at the EUROS 2020.

Harry Kane

Even though an ankle injury ruled him out for the International fixtures this march, him being at the euros fit and in form is not something that is a debate, but something that Southgate would be hoping for by the time EUROS come around.

James Maddison

He missed out on featuring in the 2020 World Cup owing to an injury, but the Tottenham number 8  gets into the squad thanks to his red hot form for the lilywhites  and is likely to feature alongside Bellingham.

Marcus Rashford

The one club man at Old Trafford was the go to winger and wide goal scoring forward for Gareth but his less than impressive club form begs the question whether he can still find a place in Southgate ball or the likes of Cole Parmer will surge ahead ?

Jude Bellingham

The 20-year-old golden boy who could do no wrong at Madrid this season is going to be a mainstay for England and is likely to slot in as a Number 10 off Harry Kane. He could potentially take on the mantle form Kane when he decide to call time on his international eventually.

Cole Palmer

Cole Palmer is a sure shot to go to Germany after bursting onto the scene this season and going beyond all expectations to carry what has been honestly a very disappointing season for Chelsea. But his performances this season has turned what was to be an outside shot for the England EUROS squad to a sure shot inclusion.

Ivan Toney

His penalty-taking ability could be needed in the knockout stage, for starters. Showed what a good spot-kick taker he is with the first equaliser against Belgium, which came on his first England start. He has slipped back into the Brentford team like he never left after serving a ban for betting-rule breaches.

Ollie Watkins

For someone who is considered by some to be a winger-cum-striker, it is not really bad to be the deputy to Kane and could potentially be a starter in case Harry ends up getting injured. But Watkins deserves his place on merit and on sheer weight of goals this season, even if it means a wide player such as Jarrod Bowen misses out. 

Cover Credits - Goal.com