On Saturday night England welcomed Brazil to Wembley with a chance for both sides to earn something mentally. For Brazil they wanted to start off well with their new coach and end a bad run of form. A team that has struggled to find it’s identity. For England they looked to fill some holes in the team before heading into the Euros with a confidence boost.

Fair to say one side got what they wanted whilst the other is facing some questions. Beyond it’s coach.

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Euro 2024: My Approach For England

This is my pick for the eleven and the squad rather than what I think will be picked by Southgate in the summer. England have a very clear structure on how they set up and play under him, clear profiles needed in different areas of the pitch. Against Brazil however they needed more players with composure on the ball and more players to take risks. Appreciate that they were without some key players in Kane and Saka but even with them in the team, who in midfield is controlling the tempo? Who is midfield is breaking lines with their passes?

Compare that to Brazil with Paqueta and Guimaraes in midfield, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr up front. With that being said, here is how I would approach the Euros in the summer. 👇

23 Man Squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, James Trafford

Defenders: John Stones, Jarred Branthwaite, Marc Guehi, Levi Colwell, Ben White, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Kobbie Mainoo, Eberechi Eze, Angel Gomes

Forwards: Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Ollie Watkins, Cole Palmer

Thoughts

• I do not believe there are any outstanding candidates for the goalkeeping position other than Pickford who has been consistently good for England through the past years. Pope looks on track to contend for the starting spot by next year, Trafford is a couple years away from a start but it would be excellent experience for him to go. Ramsdale not in the Arsenal side, if he plays then he’s in contention.

• Luke Shaw is the best left back option for England if fit, able to shift back as a central defender to tuck in and get forward covering ground for an overlap. Provides a threat from crosses.

• Trent Alexander-Arnold has too much ability to be left out of the team, either at RB or midfield he gives you a lot of options within the team and a constant threat with his passing ability.

• Ben White as mentioned would be my first choice for right back and backed up by Reece James who without his injuries is England’s most complete RB option.

• Central defenders are starting to come through and by the next World Cup, selection will be pretty stacked. Branthwaite, Colwill and Guehi all players that will get better these coming years. John Stones will be the one to lead them.

• Rice, Foden and Bellingham would be my pick for the midfield three, they should be more than capable of working out each others timing and roles. Right now you have Rice not quite connecting with the attackers and Jude attacking the space around the box, it all feels quite disconnected. Foden can be that glue.

• I’ve picked up a few different options in midfield that can cover for all three positions and starts to bring through more young players in the midfield. Gomes is one that goes under the radar over at Lille, Mainoo is that good (take your City hat off) and Eze is due a real breakout season if he avoids injuries. All are very good on the ball, composed and creative in their own ways. Gomes is arguably the closest England have to a tempo setter deeper in midfield. Curtis Jones a player more than capable of making into the midfield spots as well as James Maddison.

• Saka is the guy at RW and will only become more of a creative force in time. Palmer an excellent back up and rotation option for him. At LW Grealish and Rashford are very good options that provide different skills, despite their inconsistent seasons an asset to the team. Gordon and Bowen both unfortunate to not make it in.

• Harry Kane will be the striker as along as he is fit and likely doesn’t miss a game. Watkins based on his current season would be my back up option, having more to his all around game that Toney that hasn’t quite hit form since his return.

Players For The Future

• Tino Livramento is an exciting full back option that will likely be up there with the worlds best in a few years time. With Shaw, Chilwell and James all facing injury struggles, England will need a full back that is consistently available.

• Rico Lewis once his physicality develops more and he feeds his role at Manchester City will be knocking on the door. Has the temperament and awareness to play in midfield.

• Alex Scott at Bournemouth goes under the radar but has quickly got himself into the team with his first season in the Premier League.

• Archie Gray is a fantastic talent, playing at full back and midfield for Leeds in the Championship at 17.

Let me know who you would pick for England this coming Euro 2024 tournament.

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