by With Euro 2024 fast approaching, Gareth Southgate’s England squad is starting to take shape. Ahead of the matches against Brazil and Belgium, Telegraph Sport assesses what the squad would look like if selected now:
Goalkeeper
Involved in a relegation battle at Everton, but his inclusion as Southgate’s No 1 despite recent form has established himself at the World Cup six years ago. It is unimaginable that he will be England’s first choice at the Euros.
Roy Hodgson has had two England goalkeepers at his disposal this season, with Sam Johnstone and Dean Henderson battling it out at Crystal Palace. Johnstone did enough to regain his place in Southgate’s squad but also missed games through injury. He played the last four games at Palace.
If Nick Pope were fit, this would be a dilemma for Southgate. Ramsdale is a member of the squad, trains hard and supports his fellow goalkeeper. Although he is the perfect keeper in the 23, he is not playing regularly for Arsenal and hardly gives his place on the form.
Defendants
Southgate has twice talked Walker out of international retirement, he is so important to his plans. Still among the best one-on-one right-backs and can play as a third-back, Pep Guardiola is “inverted” to play in midfield when Manchester City have the ball.
Was dropped from the squad in November due to personal reasons and misses out on the March squad due to injury. His form dipped over the Christmas period, but he is an important part of Southgate’s squad with his ability to play on either flank – due to Luke Shaw’s injury – and his set-piece threat.
The Manchester centre-back has been at the heart of Southgate’s defense for his most important victories. The question this season is his fitness but he has made 22 club appearances and will be on the plane provided he remains injury free.
Southgate remained loyal to Maguire when his own supporters were booing him, so it’s safe to say he will be in his plans for Germany. The Manchester United centre-back has made his way back to Manchester United under Erik ten Hag after looking set to leave the club in the summer.
He is currently recovering from injury but, if he is fit, he is highly regarded by Southgate for his impressive displays at Palace, without appearing to be.
get into trouble. He recently quoted Paolo Maldini when talking about going under the radar: “Maldini said if you’re going to tackle, you weren’t in the right position in the first place.”
There will be one centre-back slot left up for grabs, and Konsa is making a great case for himself ahead of Lewis Dunk, Fikayo Tomori or Levi Colwill. Konsa recently picked up a knee injury but has been included for the Brazil/Belgium double header.
He returned to action against Leicester at the weekend and plays an important role for Southgate as the only established full-back currently available. Shaw is due back at the end of the season but cannot be counted on. Trippier can cover on the left side, but that position will require a specialist.
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Middle of the field
It looked like Trent was up against Kalvin Phillips for the role alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, the Liverpool player who has been pulling for himself for months. Yes, he can also cover right back, but it should be his ability to control games and his passing range that gets him into this team.
Jordan Henderson
His place in the England side has been secured with a move to Ajax and he is expected to be on the plane to Germany. His leadership is vital to the squad’s dynamic and he is now playing at a better level than during his ill-fated spell in Saudi Arabia.
Jude Bellingham
La Liga’s top scorer and England player will be waiting for him. All eyes will be on the Real Madrid star over the final games of the season. If he stays fit, he starts for Southgate in an advanced midfield role.
Declan Rice
David Moyes recently suggested that the £105 million Arsenal paid in the summer will be a bargain. It’s hard to disagree, with Rice so important to Arsenal’s title charge. He can control games and is a better player than at the last Euros.
Forward
Playing well enough now to claim a starting spot for Southgate’s side after their unlucky run against England. Injuries ruled out the last Euro final against Italy and earlier in the tournament he was rested due to a yellow away from suspension. Now it looks like he will start on the left side of the attack.
Harry Kane
When he was injured at the weekend, England fans held their breath. The country’s most prolific goal scorer will be plagued by an injury scare in the final weeks of the season.
Definitely one of Southgate’s starters when the Euros get underway. His running from the right will be an important part of England’s attack as they look to improve this time.
He has suffered a dip in form and injury since winning the Treble last season, but is still capable of drawing fouls and dribbling defenders. If he’s playing enough, he should be on the plane to the Euros.
After returning to the England team last year, his move to Tottenham worked perfectly. It was just an injury that put a spanner in the works. But he has done enough to earn a spot, including going to the World Cup and fighting his way back from injury during the tournament.
He was in poor form earlier in the season, but has bounced back in recent weeks and his experience at this level pushes him to be reckoned with.
Conor Gallagher could be occupying a sort of ‘wild card’ position in midfield. Gallagher is an excellent tourer and doing well. However, Eze has the X-factor that can turn a game from the bench.
His ability to take penalties may be needed in the lay-up stages, for starters. He slipped back into the Brentford team like he never left after being banned for betting rules violations.
Two back-up strikers may seem too much for Kane, who is guaranteed to start. But Watkins has earned his place on merit and the overall weight of the defense this season, even if a wide receiver like Jarrod Bowen misses out.
