With Euro 2024 kicking off on June 14th and a seemingly large selection of world class players at the hands of Gareth Southgate, we decided to put ourselves in his shoes and consider what this year's squad could look like. 

Let’s have a look at the current front runners:-

Goalkeepers

 Aaron Ramsdale

Jordan Pickford 

Sam Johnstone

Defenders

 Harry Maguire

Kyle Walker 

Luke Shaw

John Stones

Kieran Trippier

Marc Guehi

Ben White

Midfielders

 Trent Alexander-Arnold 

Jude Bellingham

Declan Rice

James Maddison

Jordan Henderson

Connor Gallagher

James Ward-Prowse

Attackers

 Philip Foden 

Ollie Watkins

Harry Kane 

Bukayo Saka

Cole Palmer

Jarred Bowen

With Nick Pope, often criticised for a lack of ability with the ball at his feet and after picking up an injury against Manchester United in early December, there is doubt on whether the Newcastle keeper will be ready to make appearances for his country on return. This provides a chance for Crystal Palace Goalkeeper, Sam Johnstone, to add to his four senior caps. Saying this, Johnstone’s ability most likely will not be showcased throughout England’s 2024 campaign, due to Southgate’s abundance of top-drawer goalkeepers in Jordan Pickford and Aaron Ramsdale. These two keepers will likely be battling it out for the number one spot this year. 

Chelsea full back, Reece James is injured once again, as is Manchester United’s, Luke Shaw but Manchester City’s Kyle Walker is cemented in Southgate’s Euro 2024 plans. After a solid display throughout the Premier League season Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, will be looking to add to his 9 caps, in this tournament. Chelsea left back Ben Chilwell will also be hoping to make the squad, however due to his team's current poor performance in the Premier League many believe the Blue’s Carabao Cup skipper will miss out on this year's Euros competition.

Despite a recent decline in performance for Newcastle United, Kieran Trippier will be hoping to keep his spot for England. He still remains tied at 1st for most Premier League assists this season and with a solid showing earlier in the campaign, the Newcastle defender will most likely retain his place in Southgate’s squad.  (@premierleague)

There are numerous defenders we could mention that deserve a spot to play for their country this year. The likes of AC Milan centre-back, Fikayo Tomori and Chelsea stopper, Levi Colwill, have each shown their capabilities in their respective teams. But with only 23 players called-up by Southgate, sadly not every player can make it into the squad. 

Real Madrid star, Jude Bellingham will, injury-permitting, definitely be playing a major role in this season's tournament. After an outstanding show of skill throughout the qualifying matches and fine form with his Spanish team, Bellingham could be one of the defining factors in England's success this year. 

Arsenal midfielder, Declan Rice, and Tottenham playmaker, James Maddison, have each put up great performances this campaign and will both be hoping to make the team sheet also. Despite Maddison’s injury problems earlier in the season, the impact he brought to the Lilywhites on return was substantial and definitely garnered a place playing for the Three Lions. 

Conor Gallagher’s team, Chelsea, have been struggling to stay consistent in winning points this season, sitting as they are currently in mid-table. However, despite their hardship Gallagher has remained consistent in his continued effort in midfield, managing to reach the top ten list in furthest runs this season, alongside Declan Rice and James Ward-Prowse. Whether this is enough for a place in the England squad is debatable however. (@premierleague)

Connor Gallagher Heat Map this season (@sofascore)

One name you may be surprised to see in the midfielders list is that of Trent Alexander-Arnold. However after a promising performance in midfield during the Euros qualifying stages and for Liverpool, the (right-back-originally) will be hoping to play alongside Bellingham and Rice throughout the competition. He is currently affected by a minor injury which meant he missed the recent title-race game between Liverpool and City, however Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp, has assured he will make his return soon.

Big names that could miss out on a spot in the England midfield include: Mason Mount and Kalvin Philips alongside emerging young stars; Kobbie Mainoo and Rico Lewis. 

Southgate certainly has a fine selection to choose from when picking his attackers for this campaign. Names that most definitely deserve places on the team sheet include Bayern Munich striker and England captain, Harry Kane, Arsenal winger, Bukayo Saka and Manchester City star, Phil Foden. All three are scoring goals for fun this season, aiding their teams in title charges

(all competitions as at 12th March)

Other names to mention that may well deserve a place in the squad include Aston Villa striker, Ollie Watkins and West Ham attacker, Jarrod Bowen. Watkins and his team have surprised everybody this season beating many top sides and currently sit at a healthy position in the Premier League, whilst Bowen has been a fundamental part of the West Ham attack all year too.

Despite Chelsea’s failures this season, former Manchester City youngster, Cole Palmer, has been their bright spark. His maturity, finesse and clinical finishing at such a young age definitely provides evidence that he can play at the top level for England. He has experience playing out wide and centrally, meaning he is a flexible player too, something that could prove very useful in the eyes of Southgate.

Another former City player, Raheem Sterling, will be hoping to regain his spot in the squad. Despite his team's decline in performance in recent times, only Harry Kane has more appearances for England under Southgate. Regardless of this, Sterling has failed to be a part of the England squad since the 2022 Qatar World Cup, meaning his chances of an England spot are looking slim. 

(@skysports)

Names that could miss out on the squad include the likes of Marcus Rashford - after his and Manchester United’s poor showing throughout the season, Eddie Nketiah - overshadowed by players like Bukayo Saka, and Callum Wilson after Newcastle's drop off in comparison to last year. Manchester City number 10, Jack Grealish is also expected to miss out on the squad following a quiet season and recent injury. He is expected to be injury-free in time to make the squad, however whether he will be ready to be thrown back into international football is questionable. 

Look out on June 4th for the official England squad announcement.