Euro 2024 is one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year and there are several teams who will be aiming for success in Germany this summer. We’ve taken a closer look at England’s squad ahead of the tournament. The Three Lions are one of the favourites and we’ve identified the strengths and weaknesses within their squad.
England’s Predicted Euro 2024 Squad
England are one of the favourites with the majority of the football betting sites in the UK and having reached the final at Euro 2020, there will be plenty of expectation on the Three Lions heading into this tournament.
With the Premier League regarded as the best league in the world by many football fans and with the likes of Man City and Liverpool continuing to dominate in Europe, England manager Gareth Southgate has plenty of talented players to pick from. We’ve picked out some of the key individuals who will give the Three Lions their best chance of success in Germany.
Manager: Gareth Southgate
Southgate was promoted to first team coach initially on an interim basis back in 2016 before being given the permanent gig later that year.
Southgate is a naturally conservative manager, who has been loyal to several squad members, despite some of them receiving criticism from fans and media following underwhelming performances.
Southgate’s biggest strength is harbouring a spirit and togetherness. He has been criticised for being too cautious whereas his tactical nous has also been questioned. Nevertheless, he is hugely popular with the players, he’s excellent with the media and an admirable role model.
Southgate is yet to win any major silverware in his role, yet he’s come close on a number of occasions. He guided them to the final of Euro 2020 before crashing out at the quarter final stage of the 2022 World Cup.
Southgate’s future was widely discussed in the media, however, it was confirmed that he will remain in charge until after this tournament.
Steve Holland
Steve Holland is the long-time assistant of Gareth Southgate and has been alongside the head coach since their days in the Under-21s. Holland had little to no playing career and prior to this role, he spent his time coaching at Crewe and Chelsea.
Goalkeeper
Jordan Pickford
Although Sam Johnston and Aaron Ramsdale are very decent operators, Jordan Pickford is likely to be first choice at this summer’s Euros. He is one of the mainstays of the England Euro 2024 squad and has the full backing of the coaching staff.
He was first called up to the England squad in 2017 and is likely to have chalked up over 60 appearances by the time this tournament gets underway.
Pickford is also Everton’s number one goalkeeper and has had a relatively strong, if not unremarkable campaign for the Toffees, who are battling relegation from the Premier League.
Defenders
John Stones
John Stones simply has to be one of the first names on the team-sheet. The Barnsley-born centre-back is a classy defender who is both stylish and robust. His versatility has also been part of his success and he has been known to anchor the midfield for his club Man City at times. Southgate is a big fan of Stones, who is an excellent communicator and boasts an excellent range of passing.
He has been part of the England squad since 2014 and has over 70 appearances for the Three Lions.
Harry Maguire
Harry Maguire is one of the players who has faced criticism for his performances over the last 18 months. However, despite his semi-regular gaffes, Southgate has stuck with the Manchester United defender and his faith has been rewarded.
Maguire’s recent performances for his club have been much-improved and he is likely to be a key component of the England Euro 2024 squad this summer.
Maguire may lack the finesse of other centre backs, yet he is strong and an aerial threat from set-pieces. He has made over 60 appearances for England and has also found the net seven times.
Kyle Walker
As one of the more experienced members of the England Euro 2024 squad, Kyle Walker will add some much-needed know-how to the XI. However, his injury record has been worrying this season and following a full campaign in which his club Manchester City have competed across various competitions, he may not be able to feature in every single contest.
Other key defenders: Ezri Konsa, Joe Gomez and Lewis Dunk are likely to feature whilst the impressive Jarred Branthwaite will be hoping to do enough during the March international break to earn a place on the plane.
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham
Jude Bellingham is one of the best footballers in the world currently and the Real Madrid star could be key to England’s chances this summer. He has been playing in a more advanced role for his club and England fans will be hoping to see more of him in an attacking capacity in Germany.
He made his international debut in 2020 and already has 35 appearances under his belt. His exceptional control and ability to get his side on the front foot could be vital if England are to justify their relatively short odds for success.
Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson is a long time member of the England squad and despite moving to Saudi Arabia in the summer, he remains in Southgate’s plans. He hasn’t pulled up any trees at Ajax subsequently, yet he remains pivotal to the way England play.
Declan Rice
Declan Rice has been one of the most impressive performers in the top flight this season. The Arsenal midfielder is versatile and is a hugely popular member of the squad. Rice represented Ireland at youth level before switching his allegiances and is now closing in on 50 appearances for the Three Lions.
Although he is a defensive midfielder by trade, his ability to carry the ball forward has also been praised in recent seasons. His inclusion may also allow Jude Bellingham to play further forward.
Other key midfielders: James Maddison will be tasked with creativity, whereas Connor Gallagher is a useful addition. Gallagher’s Chelsea teammate Cole Palmer has enjoyed a terrific season for the Blues despite their underwhelming campaign.
Forwards:
Harry Kane
Harry Kane is England’s most potent attacking weapon and is one of the most clinical finishers in Europe. The former Spurs man has been plying his trade at Bayern Munich this season and although the German behemoths look likely to surrender the title to Leverkusen this time around, Kane has been prolific. He’s netted 62 goals in 89 appearances for England and is likely to be on penalty duty for the Three Lions.
He made his England debut in 2015 and has scored multiple goals at each international tournament.
Ollie Watkins
It’s hard to ignore the form of Ollie Watkins this season. The Villa striker wasn’t named in the squad until 2021, and has got better with each passing campaign. He wasn’t included in the squad at the 2022 World Cup squad and having also just missed the cut for Euro 2020, he’ll be determined to make up for lost time.
With 16 goals in 28 appearances this season, he simply has to be on the plane.
Bukayo Saka
Despite his tender age of 22, Bukayo Saka has already made over 30 appearances for England. His lively performances have caught the eye and his ability to run with the ball tends to get fans on their feet.
Saka has already scored 11 times for England and scored seven of those during the 2022-23 campaign. He’s twice been named England’s Player of the Year and is likely to be one of the first names on the team-sheet.
Star Man: Phil Foden
Phil Foden has enjoyed a superb season for Man City this season and has thrived in the Premier League and Champions League.
The 23-year old has thrived under the guidance of Pep Guardiola and played a key role at the 2022 World Cup despite starting the opening game on the bench.
Although he’s been described as ‘more of a midfielder’ by his boss, Foden is also able to play anywhere across the frontline and has also featured as a wing-back. The left-footed wizard is full of confidence and should bring plenty of class to the tournament this summer
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