England will head to UEFA Euro 2024 as one of the favourites to win the trophy — something they have never managed to do before.
Gareth Southgate led the Three Lions to the final of Euro 2020, staged a year late due to the COVID-19 pandemic, where they lost to Italy on penalties at Wembley Stadium.
Big things were expected at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, but England's adventure in Qatar was ended by eventual runners-up France at the quarterfinal stage. That means their wait for a first men's trophy since the 1966 World Cup on home soil is ongoing.
England came through qualifying with minimal fuss and they have some important tests in upcoming international friendlies, most notably when they host Brazil and Belgium in March. Those games will give us a better idea of their credentials when it comes to challenging for the big prize in Germany later this year, and it will offer a few clues as to Southgate's plans for his squad, which will be finalised in June.
The Sporting News looks at the latest main issues surrounding England's plans for Euro 2024 and has a go at predicting what their final roster for the tournament will look like.
MORE: The list of teams who have qualified for Euro 2024
England predicted squad for Euro 2024
Much of England's squad is actually quite straightforward to predict, but there are a handful of significant unknowns.
The Sporting News runs through the latest on Southgate's potential selection here.
Who's definitely in?
Southgate has a core of favourites he likes to rely on, which doesn't always chime well with some of the fans. However, it's hard to argue with several names who will certainly be in his final squad, assuming injury doesn't strike.
Captain Harry Kane has had an excellent first season at Bayern Munich, despite some struggles for the team as a whole. Likewise, Jude Bellingham has been exceptional for Real Madrid. They are both dead certs for this squad, along with goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, and Manchester City duo John Stones and Phil Foden.
Whose place is at risk?
Marcus Rashford has had a tough season at Manchester United and is far from guaranteed a squad place, although decent form in the final weeks of the season will probably be enough for him. There's an issue at left-back due to injuries to Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell, plus questions over whether to include Ollie Watkins as the main back-up to Kane. Harry Maguire seems to have recovered enough form and regular football to keep his place safe.
Central midfield is arguably the main concern. Conor Gallagher is playing well for a poor Chelsea side, while Jordan Henderson — formerly a mainstay under Southgate — only returned to Europe with Ajax in early 2024 after a miserable time in Saudi Arabia.
Who could be a wildcard pick?
Cole Palmer's versatility and creativity could see him get the nod despite a lack of experience at international level. Another young exciting talent is Anthony Gordon, he's been in sensational form at times throughout the season and tested himself on the biggest stage in the Champions League.
Marc Guehi was in the squad before the 2022 World Cup and could earn a proper tournament chance given issues at centre-back. With goalkeeper Nick Pope sidelined with injury, Sam Johnstone and Aaron Ramsdale will probably both be in the squad. There is also a chance that Southgate takes a punt on uncapped Man United teenager Kobbie Mainoo, who has impressed this season.
Eric Dier may also force his way back into Southgate's plans, his surprise loan spell at Bayern Munich having been positive so far. Jarrad Branthwaite is our final wildcard suggestion and he could pip Dier to a place at the tournament given he was included in the March friendlies.
Predicted full England squad for Euro 2024
Here is our predicted England squad for Euro 2024.
Ages, caps are correct as of March 11, 2024.
Position | Player | Club | Age | Caps |
---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Aaron Ramsdale | Arsenal (ENG) | 25 | 4 |
GK | Sam Johnstone | Crystal Palace (ENG) | 30 | 4 |
GK | Jordan Pickford | Everton (ENG) | 30 | 58 |
DEF | Eric Dier | Bayern Munich (GER) | 30 | 49 |
DEF | Harry Maguire | Manchester United (ENG) | 31 | 62 |
DEF | Luke Shaw | Manchester United (ENG) | 28 | 31 |
DEF | John Stones | Manchester City (ENG) | 29 | 69 |
DEF | Kieran Trippier | Newcastle United (ENG) | 33 | 46 |
DEF | Kyle Walker | Manchester City (ENG) | 33 | 81 |
DEF | Ben White | Arsenal (ENG) | 26 | 4 |
MID | Trent Alexander-Arnold | Liverpool (ENG) | 25 | 23 |
MID | Jude Bellingham | Real Madrid (SPA) | 20 | 27 |
MID | Phil Foden | Manchester City (ENG) | 23 | 31 |
MID | Conor Gallagher | Chelsea (ENG) | 24 | 11 |
MID | Jordan Henderson | Ajax (NED) | 33 | 81 |
MID | James Maddison | Tottenham (ENG) | 27 | 5 |
MID | Cole Palmer | Chelsea (ENG) | 21 | 2 |
MID | Declan Rice | Arsenal (ENG) | 25 | 48 |
FWD | Jack Grealish | Manchester City (ENG) | 28 | 35 |
FWD | Harry Kane | Bayern Munich (GER) | 30 | 89 |
FWD | Marcus Rashford | Manchester United (ENG) | 26 | 59 |
FWD | Bukayo Saka | Arsenal (ENG) | 22 | 32 |
FWD | Ollie Watkins | Aston Villa (ENG) | 28 | 9 |
Predicted lineup for England's first Euro 2024 match
England start their UEFA Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on Sunday, June 16 at Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen. Kickoff is at 9:00 p.m. local time (3 p.m. ET).
England projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Pickford (GK) — Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier — Alexander-Arnold, Rice — Saka, Bellingham, Foden — Kane
When is the England squad announced for Euro 2024?
We don't yet know exactly when England's final squad for Euro 2024 will be confirmed.
However, UEFA rules stipulate that all competing nations must submit their final squad lists by June 7, 2024, seven days before the opening match of the tournament.
MORE: The full schedule for Euro 2024, from group stage to final
England 2024 fixtures: Friendlies, warm-up games and Euros
England have got four more planned fixtures before their first Euro 2024 match gets underway.
Date | Opponent | Stadium | Competition |
March 23, 2024 | Brazil | Wembley | Friendly |
March 26, 2024 | Belgium | Wembley | Friendly |
June 3, 2024 | Bosnia and Herzegovina | St. James' Park | Friendly |
June 7, 2024 | Iceland | Wembley | Friendly |
June 16, 2024 | Serbia | Veltins-Arena | Euro 2024 MD1 |
June 20, 2024 | Denmark | Deutsche Bank Park | Euro 2024 MD2 |
June 25, 2024 | Slovenia | RheinEnergieStadion | Euro 2024 MD3 |