England XI Gareth Southgate should pick for Euro 2024 opener

Callum Boyle

99 per cent of you probably won’t agree

Now that the March international friendlies are over it’s really a case of counting down the days until Euro 2024 starts.

England go into the tournament as one of the competitions favourites. In their last three major outings they’ve reached a semi final, final and quarter final so now really feels like the time to go all the way.

For Gareth Southgate, this is probably the first time he has really been under pressure to win. Aside from France, it’s fair to say that England are blessed with the most talent on paper.

But, football isn’t played on paper, just in case you weren’t aware.

While we wait for the summer of football to start the age-old debate has commenced. Who’s playing where? What pub are we watching it in? He’s playing player X where?!

Everyone is keen to speculate as to who will be in that starting XI for England’s group stage opener against Serbia on June 16 so fear not, I’m doing it for you.

I can’t claim to have a crystal ball and predict exactly what Southgate will do, this is just me merely thinking what he should do. Emphasis on the key word thinking here.

You probably won’t agree with some – or all – of the suggestions and that’s absolutely fine. Different horses for different courses you know.

Anyway, here goes.

Goalkeeper – Jordan Pickford

Kind of picks himself really. A Southgate trustee and no other goalkeeper has really impressed enough to dislodge him.

Always performed well in an England shirt, well accustomed to playing in high-pressure situations for his country. Exactly what you need going into a tournament opener… someone who rises to the occasion.

Defence

I’m going for a four at the back here. Although a three (or five if you count the wing backs) can be deployed if necessary, it feels like having four bodies works better.

Kyle Walker takes the right back slot. Similar to Pickford, a reliable outlet and still is one of the best right backs in the world. His frightening pace is something opposition attackers hate and his all-round defensive play is also very good. His Manchester City teammate John Stones will line up to city neighbour Harry Maguire. Stones on form is England’s best centre back and Maguire has largely had a good season for club and country. He’s also very important to the way Southgate plays.

Luke Shaw completes the back four. England’s best player in that option by some distance. Ben Chilwell hasn’t been good enough this season and still seems to be struggling with fitness. Kieran Trippier can fill in there and so can Joe Gomez, if taken, but it would be foolish not to start your best left back.

BURTON UPON TRENT, ENGLAND – MARCH 22: Harry Maguire of England reacts during the England Training Session at St George’s Park on March 22, 2022 in Burton upon Trent, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

Midfield

I’ve well and truly boarded the Kobbie Mainoo hype train and there’s nothing you can do about it. The 18-year-old was brilliant in his two appearances over the recent break and seems to compliment the man who will inevitably partner him in that deeper role, Declan Rice.

Mainoo has excelled in a struggling Manchester United side and looked their most mature and composed player at just 18-years-old. Ridiculous. As for Rice, he’s one of the best players in the world in his position and has transformed into a real leader.

I could honestly write an essay about how good Jude Bellingham is, but you all know that. To sum it up, play him Gareth. Stick him in that number 10 spot and start him.

Forwards

Perhaps one of the most difficult positions to nail down is that left wing spot. Anthony Gordon has been very good this season, Marcus Rashford is a favoured candidate in that role. You could even go with Cole Palmer but for me, it’s Phil Foden.

Technically, England’s best player. Although not naturally someone who would play that side, he’s just too good to not include. If it wasn’t for Bellingham, he’d be in the number 10 spot but sometimes you have to make a case for shoehorning a player in and that’s exactly what I’m doing here.

On the right hand side is Bukayo Saka. Need I say more? He’s been England’s player of the year for the last two consecutive years. When fit he’s one of Southgate’s first names on the team sheet and that brings me on nicely to Harry Kane. Record goalscorer, captain, leader, legend. First name on the sheet.