How England could line-up for Euro 2024: Kane, Bellingham, and a potential Kobbie Mainoo call-up?
GK: Jordan Pickford
Pickford will undoubtedly be England's number 1. Despite question marks over his ability compared to Europe's best 'keepers, Pickford has always performed well for his country, making some crucial penalty saves along the way.
RB: Kyle Walker
Walker has been one of the Premiere League's best fullbacks in the last decade and is the most complete RB in England's ranks. Trent Alexander Arnold's defensive frailties mean he will struggle against Europe's best wingers. However, he would be an asset coming off the bench with his delivery from wide areas. Unfortunately, Reece James' injury record makes it unlikely that he will start despite his talent.
CB: Harry Maguire
This is the first position up for debate. Maguire has been one of Southgate's key players and has performed much better for England than Man United over the last three years. Other options include Tomori, Dunk and Guehi but these have been given limited previous international experience.
CB: John Stones
This season Stones has seen fewer minutes than last season where he was instrumental in Man City's treble triumph. Despite this, he is England's best CB and has plenty of experience in high-pressure games.
LB: Luke Shaw
One of England's best players at both Euro 2020 and the Qatar World Cup. He started this season injured, but since his return, his importance to Man United has been highlighted. Strong defensively and times his overlapping runs perfectly, with a particularly good connection with Marcus Rashford. Ben Chilwell is also a great back-up.
CM: Delan Rice
Another unquestionable choice, even more so after impressing at Arsenal this season.
CM: Kobbie Mainoo
This is Southgate's most difficult choice, and the one which will have fans most divided. Even with Philips' move to West Ham it is difficult to see him starting with almost no game-time this season. Similarly, it would be difficult to play Henderson after his failed move to Saudi Arabia (his position in the squad was questioned even when at Liverpool). However, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Southgate return to his trusted favourites. Kobbie Mainoo would be my outside choice to partner Rice in midfield. Since returning from injury he has consistently started for United and his importance can't be understated. His composure, physicality and passing ability would allow him to slot into England's experienced squad, having already shown he can fit into high-level football seamlessly.
CAM: Jude Bellingham
The first name on the teamsheet and one of the best players in the world currently. If he can bring just half of his Real Madrid goalscoring form to the Euros, England will have a great chance of success. His arrival into the box can be perfect when combined with Kane's ability to drop deep and play passes forward. Bellingham could arguably play slightly more defensively and allow Maddison, Foden, Eze, or Palmer to play behind Kane.
RW: Bukayo Saka
No real competition here. Saka is by far England's most effective Right Winger.
ST: Harry Kane
Kane's performance could be the make or break in this tournament. During Euro 2020 Kane wasn't at his best and England became reliant on Sterling's goals. Kane has been on fire since his move to Bayern Munich, breaking all kinds of goal-scoring records. Back-up includes Toney, Watkins, Solanke and Wilson.
LW: Marcus Rashford
The LW is one of the three positions of doubt in the squad. Jack Grealish is still in and out of City's. Sterling has been inconsistent for Chelsea. Gordon has no international experience. Rashford has had a poor start to this season in a struggling United side, but his performances last year show his talent. Rashford's pace is suited perfectly to Harry Kane's playing style, comparable to his connection with Leroy Sane in Germany. This position can be easily rotated with little impact on the team's set-up.
Sean Priest
Comments
Post a Comment