England head into Euros 2024 with a massively talented squad and The Three Lions will have only one objective in mind when they set out in Germany; winning the tournament.
Gareth Southgate’s men were finalists in the last Euros where they ended up second-best after an agonizing defeat against Italy. However, The Three Lions have only grown in strength and depth ever since.
Soccernet.football takes a look at seven players who could play a massive role for England when the competition kicks off on June 14.
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7. Declan Rice
The 25-year-old was a standout player for Arsenal this past season, and his significance at the international level has skyrocketed over the past few years, making him vital to England’s gameplay.
Rice is capable of sitting deep in midfield as a number six and providing cover for the back four as well as functioning in the number eight role where he can push forward and contribute in attack.
Rice is virtually an irreplaceable asset in Southgate’s setup so his place in the England midfield is guaranteed. It remains to be seen, which of the other midfield talents he will be paired with.
6. Kobbie Mainoo
Mainoo enjoyed an impressive breakthrough season at Manchester United after graduating from the club’s academy, establishing himself as a key player for the Red Devils as they won the FA Cup.
The 19-year-old, who garnered plaudits from fans and pundits alike for his calmness and composure in possession, carried that form into his first senior start for England against Belgium.
With The Three Lions’ limited options in central midfield, Mainoo’s performances for United this season may have helped him secure a spot in the starting XI.
5. Bukayo Saka
Saka had another stellar campaign for The Gunners, scoring 20 goals and providing 14 assists in 47 games as they narrowly missed out on winning the Premier League.
The 22-year-old winger is rapidly establishing himself as a senior England player and is poised to play a crucial role for The Three Lions when the tournament kicks off.
Southgate will be hoping the winger can replicate the form he displayed throughout the season and given Saka’s history of consistency, that is likely to be the case.
4. Phil Foden
The 24-year-old enjoyed his best season yet with Manchester City, emerging as one of Pep’s most reliable players as they battled their way to a fourth consecutive Premier League title with 38 goal contributions across 51 matches in all competitions.
His exceptional control sets him apart in the national squad, leaving Southgate with the headache of fitting Foden’s attacking talents into a lineup that also features Bellingham, Saka, and the likes.
Foden’s versatility is sure to come in handy for The Three Lions during the tournament. He is capable of coming in from the flanks, playing off a striker and featuring in midfield.
3. Jude Bellingham
Bellingham enjoyed an absolutely fantastic debut season at Real Madrid, emerging as arguably their best player as Los Blancos coasted to the La Liga title and lifted the Champions League.
He has consistently produced outstanding performances both for club and country, racking up goals and assists after driving runs from midfield.
Southgate likes to deploy Bellingham in the number ten role, playing off Harry Kane, and that is likely to be his primary role when the tournament gets underway in Germany.
2. Cole Palmer
Chelsea’s talisman this past season, Palmer secured the Premier League’s Young Player of the Year award after netting 26 goals and providing 15 assists across 48 appearances in all competitions.
The 22-year-old is one of England’s most in-form players at the moment and could very well play a major role for The Three Lions if Southgate places some faith in him.
Palmer may however find his game time limited in this talent-packed England squad with the likes of Bellingham and Foden competing for the same position.
1. Harry Kane
Kane took Germany by storm after his big money move from Tottenham Hotspur to Bayern Munich. He enjoyed a record breaking season with the Bavarians, notching 56 goal contributions in 45 appearances.
The 30-year-old England skipper is set to lead Southgate’s front line in Germany which bodes well for the Three Lions, given the kind of form the striker is enjoying at the moment.
Kane’s leadership and experience will be very crucial for this largely youthful England squad but the big question lingers. Will the Bayern center forward finally be able to fire his nation to international glory?
