England At Euro 2024: Sports Mole’s Writers Select Their Final 26-Man Squads For The Three Lions

The final countdown to Euro 2024 is well underway, with Gareth Southgate having named his 33-man preliminary squad for the upcoming friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland next month.

England enters this summer’s competition in Germany among the favourites to finally secure international silverware, having reached the Euro 2020 final and narrowly missing out on ending a trophy drought that dates back to 1966.

In the coming weeks, Southgate will have the opportunity to trim his initial 33-man squad by seven, as each nation is allowed to take a 26-man squad to the tournament.

The final roster must be confirmed by June 7, the same day England faces Iceland in their final warm-up match. Several fringe players will be eager to prove themselves to the manager before then.

Here, members of the Sports Mole team have selected who they believe should be on the plane to Germany, with an aggregate 26-man squad from all selections revealed at the bottom of the piece.

Barney Corkhill, Editor

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Dean Henderson

Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite, Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker

Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice, Adam Wharton

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins

This England squad has clear strengths and weaknesses: one of the best attacking units in world football, but a defense that raises concerns due to numerous injury issues.

Luke Shaw is almost a default pick due to a lack of other options at left-back, with Kieran Trippier and the versatile Joe Gomez as makeshift backups.

At center-back, I considered including Jarell Quansah, who has had an impressive breakthrough season. On form alone, he could arguably be picked over Harry Maguire, but this tournament might be a year too soon for him.

Ezri Konsa is preferred over Marc Guehi, as Guehi has only recently returned from injury, while Konsa missed just three games during an excellent season for Aston Villa.

Trent Alexander-Arnold being listed as a midfielder will excite many fans. If Gareth Southgate can unlock his playmaking ability in that position, he could be a significant asset, although it’s hard to see him making the first-choice XI given the current midfield options.

Southgate’s biggest challenge might be allowing the forwards to express themselves. Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham can be highly influential in box-to-box roles, which could help resolve the dilemma of whether Bellingham or Phil Foden starts in central attacking midfield.

Cole Palmer and Bukayo Saka could occupy the wide areas in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Both deserve starting roles after outstanding seasons, with Harry Kane leading the line. James Maddison misses out due to injury and loss of form towards the season’s end, while Jack Grealish and Marcus Rashford haven’t done enough to beat out the fierce competition for their positions.

**Goalkeepers:** Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Dean Henderson

**Defenders:** Jarrad Branthwaite, Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker

**Midfielders:** Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice, Adam Wharton

**Forwards:** Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins

The strengths and weaknesses of this England squad are quite apparent: an exceptional attacking unit paired with a defense that raises concerns due to multiple injury issues.

Luke Shaw is almost a default pick at left-back because of limited alternatives, with Kieran Trippier and the versatile Joe Gomez as makeshift backups.

At centre-back, I considered including Jarell Quansah, who has had an impressive breakthrough season. Based on form alone, one could argue he deserves a spot over Harry Maguire, but this tournament might be a bit early for him.

Ezri Konsa is chosen over Marc Guehi, as Guehi has only recently returned from injury, while Konsa had a brilliant season with Aston Villa, missing only three games.

Trent Alexander-Arnold being listed as a midfielder is exciting for many fans. If Gareth Southgate can unlock his playmaking potential in that role, he could be a significant force. However, it’s hard to see him