The qualification campaign for Euro 2024 has concluded, but manager Gareth Southgate has just begun his arduous task of selecting a squad for the tournament this summer.
This summer, England will compete against Denmark, Slovenia, and Serbia in Group C as they attempt to rectify 2020’s final misery and win Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate’s squad topped their qualifying group undefeated and, given their recent record in major tournaments and the exceptional attacking duo Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham this season, will be among the favourites to hoist the trophy in Germany on 14 July.
However, only two friendlies remain in which players can impress the manager before his final 23-player selection.
England will compete against Belgium and Brazil in March, but domestic form will be crucial in the coming months due to the intense competition for roster spots on Southgate’s starting XI.
Join us as we evaluate those most likely to attend the Euros and those who may be left out.
Guaranteed Seat on the Plane to Germany
While the complete 23-squad selection can be a toss-up, there’s always a collection of world-class players who are guaranteed to claim a position on the international squad, so long as they avoid injury, of course.
Bukayo Saka
Despite being only 22 years old, Saka is a dependable and well-liked member of the current squad, transitioning to senior status after scoring 11 goals in 32 appearances.
His adaptability as a wing-back capable of attacking when necessary and his versatility down the left and right flanks are advantageous for a manager who frequently switches systems, and given his importance at Arsenal alongside his World Cup and Euro 2020 performances, he’s guaranteed to be selected by Southgate.
Harry Kane
Never say never, but if new bookies rated and reviewed by experts allowed for proposition wagers on Southgate’s Euro 2024 starting XI, Harry Kane would be a 1/100 favourite.
As he further accumulated goals to his unprecedented total, England’s captain continued to be their leader on the field, offering both guidance and inspiration. Kane has made an immediate impact at Bayern Munich, and the 30-year-old has praised the Bundesliga’s winter holiday and the elimination of one domestic cup competition.
With the quieter German schedule compared to England’s, Southgate should receive a version of Kane in peak physical condition before the Euros.
Jude Bellingham
Rapidly, the 20-year-old has established himself as an indispensable member of England’s squad. He scores goals and provides assists while propelling runs from midfield for both his country and his new club, Real Madrid, where he consistently delivers exceptional performances. Southgate favours Bellingham as a No. 10 off of Kane, so this could begin a productive partnership between the current England captain and his probable successor.
Remaining “Guarantees”:
- Declan Rice
- Kyle Walker
- Jordan Pickford
- John Stones
- Phil Foden
- Jack Grealish
- Harry Maguire
Almost “Guaranteed”
Aside from England’s most expensive and high-profile players, there’s a list of usual suspects who are expected to be selected by Southgate, and while they aren’t guaranteed, they’re almost there.
Ollie Watkins
After an ongoing supply of goals and assists under the tutelage of Unai Emery at Aston Villa, Watkins is in prime position to play the role of Kane’s second at the Euros. His assists in Premier League goals this year is second only to that of Erling Haaland and Mohamed Salah, thus proving his worth.
Remaining Almost “Guarantees”:
- Marcus Rashford
- Kieran Trippier
- Kalvin Phillips
- Luke Shaw
- Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Aaron Ramsdale
- Jordan Henderson
- Ben Chilwell
Fighting For Their England Caps
Below, you’ll find the players currently fighting to prove their worth on Southgate’s Euro 2024 England squad.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer, who is rapidly establishing himself as a talisman for Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues, is the player who is chasing his England caps this summer. Palmer has presented Southgate with a challenging decision this season due to his ingenuity, technique, and a keen eye for goal. With two international appearances under his belt, he will almost certainly be given additional opportunities to shine in March’s friendlies.
Chelsea’s current uptrend in form could be the game-changer in Southgate’s selection, as the London club are currently riding the best stretch of form they’ve had this season so far.
Raheem Sterling
After going from being an untouchable for Southgate to appearing to be dropped from the England manager’s plans, Raheem Sterling of Chelsea could be the most conspicuous absentee from the squad next summer, given the abundance of attacking options available.
Like Palmer, we believe Chelsea’s domestic form could play a crucial role in Southgate’s decision on whether Sterling is worthy.
The Leftovers:
- Reece James
- Lewis Dunk
- Sam Johnstone
- Dominick Solanke
- Jarrod Bowen
- Conor Gallagher
- Marc Guehi
Outsiders
The least likely potential England call-ups follow, but with the second half of the Premier League season ahead, don’t be surprised if any of these underdogs can receive the all-important call from Southgate.
Callum Wilson
Typically, when the Newcastle forward remains in peak condition, goals flow. However, he requires a consistent sequence of performances to establish his case. His prospects have diminished due to the performances of Ollie Watkins and Dominick Solanke, in addition to Newcastle’s decline in noteworthy performances since last season.
Mason Mount
When Mason Mount started his country’s first game at the World Cup last year, few would have predicted his exclusion from England’s Euros squad. However, his decline in form since joining Manchester United has eliminated him from being a guaranteed selection.
Like Sterling, Mount has been forced out of the England squad by young talent and his lacklustre performance for his new club, Manchester United; however, his season has been disrupted by injuries. Without many assists and/or goals between now and May, he’ll struggle to catch Southgate’s attention.
The Remaining Outsiders:
- Anthony Gordon
- Ivan Toney
- Levi Colwill
- Fikayo Tomori
- James Ward-Prowse
- Nick Pope
- Eberechi Eze
- Curtis Jones
- Ben White
- Ezri Konsa
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin
- Morgan Gibbs-White
