ordan Pickford continues to push his rivals back for 1st place and will be England’s goalkeeper at Euro. Gareth Southgate has repeatedly shown that he will support his regulars. Harry Maguire has his critics, but the central defender will go to Germany. A bigger question is whether Maguire is starting. Marc Guéhi has established himself as a viable alternative, competing alongside the best English defender John Stones.
However, there is not much experimentation on the back. Kyle Walker, captain against North Macedonia, is a right-back and Southgate continues to enjoy the experience of Kieran Trippier. The ever-reliable Trippier is a solid cover on the right, and he has been trusted to play on the left in the absence of Luke Shaw, a certain starter when he is fit.
Some players do not need to panic. Declan Rice is tenacious in defensive midfield and Jude Bellingham could be the star player of the tournament. There are so many sparkling young talents. Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka provide goals, skill and creativity on the flanks and are possibly Southgate’s favourite selection to start with England’s leading man Harry Kane in the top three.
In the departure hall
Sam Johnstone of Crystal Palace seems to be Pickford’s strongest challenger at the moment and started against Australia last month. Places are up for grabs. Southgate hopes to learn a lot when his team plays friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium in March. He was talking about wanting versatility, so Levi Colwill’s ability to cover the left-back and the centre-back could make him a tempting choice.
A squad of 23 men means that Southgate will not be able to carry passengers. He supported Kalvin Phillips, who is a good fit for Rice, but the midfielder does not play for Manchester City and needs a move in January.
Depth is a problem in midfield. There are not many alternatives to Jordan Henderson, who, despite his time in the Saudi pro League, is still appreciated for his experience. Conor Gallagher’s form for Chelsea propelled him into contention, but he struggled against Malta last week. The experience with Trent Alexander-Arnold in the midfield needs to be refined, although Southgate clearly wants to work with the Liverpool player, who also feels comfortable on the right side. On the rude side, James Maddison, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford are vying for a place on the left side, and it would be a surprise if one of them lacks depth in the appeal is a problem in the midfield. There are not many alternatives to Jordan Henderson, who, despite his time in the Saudi pro League, is still appreciated for his experience. Conor Gallagher’s form for Chelsea propelled him into contention, but he struggled against Malta last week. The experience with Trent Alexander-Arnold in the midfield needs to be refined, although Southgate clearly wants to work with the Liverpool player, who also feels comfortable on the right side. On the rude side, James Maddison, Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford are actioning for a place on the left side, and it would be a surprise if one of them missed the call. However, Grealish entered and exited at City, and Rashford’s form for Manchester United was disappointing.
I’m hoping for a ticket
Aaron Ramsdale was in the last team and started against Scotland in September, but the goalkeeper lost his place at Arsenal and could be nervous because of a push from Nick Pope from Newcastle. In defense, Lewis Dunk was strong in his last missions and was able to displace Colwill. Dunk faces Fikayo Tomori and Ezri Konsa, who will both be health issue-prone. On the other hand, maybe a lotdaaron Ramsdale was in the last team and started against Scotland in September, but the goalkeeper lost his place at Arsenal and could be nervous
