Most liked posts in thread: England Squad - Euro 2024

I'd actually take Toney over Watkins. Not because one player is better than the other but I feel Toney offers more in his all round game and as daft as it sounds, it's another penalty taker should any game go that far.

 

I suppose it's all about opinions @SimonW but I'm certainly not having Maguire (even though I defended him) as being "top level". He's in because we're particularly short in that area but I suspect this is probably his last major tournament.

As for Rashford, I just don't see it. When he's on it he can be world class and we've seen extremely high level performances before but he's having a really poor spell this season and for me, his performances probably don't even warrant a place in the squad, let alone the first 11.

Your point on Pep may have some merit but right now Foden is probably the stand out player in the PL and not only that, he's maintained that ultra high level even while being shifted across 4 different roles (including false 9).

Compare that to Rashford who seemingly shows a complete lack of interest if he's not stationed on the left so that he can cut in and shoot. He's increasingly becoming a one trick pony and either needs a complete attitude overhaul or a move away so he can start afresh.

 

I'd perhaps like to see a 4 2 3 1 as it means we can get Jude higher up the pitch.

Pickford
Walker - Stones - ??? - Chilwell
Rice - Trent
Saka - Bellingham - Foden
Kane

It also means it's easier to drop Bellingham deeper and have a Foden/Madison/Palmer through the middle and with a little more attacking freedom rather than as an orthodox midfielder.

 

Edin Rahic. Football genius.

 

Be pretty tough not to take Cole Palmer anymore.... think he's played himself onto the plane lately.

 

12 in his last 7 at home, ridiculous run of form. He's certainly on the plane for me.

I think UEFA are deciding on the squad sizes this week. Supposed to be 23 man squads but enough nations have asked for a 26 man squad again like the last 2 tournaments. I think he's in for either size for sure.

 

Still time for Lingard to force his way in then!

 

I think I'd take Trippier, purely for his experience and versatility. The left back area concerns me and I feel we definitely need better cover that Gomez there.

I wouldn't take White as a center half either as he hasn't played there for a long time now and I don't believe it's a position where, at the highest level a player can just slot back in seamlessly. With the lack of options there it just still feels like Maguire is the best choice at international level.

Lewis' minutes would also be a concern but could be worth a gamble seeing as you've already got two recognised right backs but potentially he's left out for Trippier if I was picking. It's a close one.

I'd probably also take a proper third striker which would be Toney. I get that if fit, Kane plays nearly every minute but one injury to a striker and we suddenly look very light up there. I'd probably sacrifice a central midfielder and definitely wouldn't take Phillips either way so it's probably him.

For what it's worth, if we're playing tomorrow my opening team would be 4 2 3 1

Pickford

Walker
Chilwell
Stones
Maguire

TAA
Rice

Saka
Bellingham
Foden

Kane

The only doubt for me is that Foden is better centrally so perhaps play Bellingham deeper for TAA, switch Foden to the middle and bring in Grealish (although I hope it's Rashford and he's had a storming second half of the season).

 

Tough squad to pick this one, i think because Southgate knows it's his last tournament, he is going to stick to his tried and tested. If he doesn't win the cup, he is gone, and trusting kids might not be in his plans. Thats why i think Henderson and Maguire will go and probably play.

There's 13 I think are nailed on right now, will be on the plane regardless of form - Kane, Bellingham, Rice, Stones, Walker, Pickford, Saka, Foden, Maguire, Tripper, Ramsdale & Shaw being 12 and the 13th is the third choice keeper which will be Pope if fit or Johnstone as GS picks him when one of the main 3 aren't available.

With the other 12 slots, it's then filling gaps. In the next tier you have Grealish, Henderson, Watkins, Rashford, Maddison, Trent, Chilwell, Phillips & James who GS has picked previously and trusts and likely have a foot in or are just too good to not go like Trent & Watkins this season. Then there's the next tier down who are guys GS has barely/rarely used who have played well in Palmer, Gallagher, Guehi, Bowen, Solanke, Lewis & Dunk. Then there the lads who need to be immense pretty much most games between now and the end of the season in Mainoo, Gordon, Tomori, Eze, JWP, Toney, Wilson, Jones, Colwill & Konsa. With the door 99.9% shut on Mount & Sancho unless they can have some ridiculous form. My outside shout is Ross Barkley, he is so sharp this season.

Who i think he'll go with (all being fit):
Pickford, Ramsdale, Pope
Stones, Maguire, Walker, Trippier, Shaw, Chilwell, Guehi, Colwill
Trent, Bellingham, Rice, Foden, Saka, Maddison, Phillips, Gallagher, Rashford, Henderson
Kane, Watkins

Who i'd go with:
Pickford, Ramsdale, Pope
Stones, Maguire, Walker, Trippier, Shaw, Chilwell, Guehi, Tomori
Trent, Rice, Bellingham, Mainoo, Gallagher
Saka, Maddison, Rashford, Foden
Kane, Watkins

I'd still call up Maguire, just because there aren't many other options at CB. Would have hoped Tomori would have kicked on but he was called out for silly mistakes early in the season and has had a injury for a few months. But he's still better than Colwill, Konsa & Dunk for me. Tripper gets in for his versatility and wouldn't be a starter anyways, but GS will favour him over Lewis. James misses out because he isn't ever fit. I'd go Mainoo as it's obvious the lad will be an England international and it's time to move on from Phillips and Henderson, but i think GS will go with tried and trusted. Cole Palmer is the tough one, i think he is probably the 24th man, who just misses out. He'll only take 1 back up forward again and that has to be Watkins.

 

He definitely wouldn't be going as a Striker, he's terrible there and clearly at the moment shouldn't be anywhere near a wide spot either.

I think Southgate will take him but unless he has a superb last few months of the season I'd agree that we've better options for that place right now.

 

Completely agree, we just need to find the right balance. He's taken a step forward by dropping Phillips so if he can just continue on that path and drop Henderson and probably Rashford I'll actually start to believe that we can finally win something.

 

Yeah i think the team pretty much picks itself up until the LCB slot and maybe even LB. It's surely a Shaw/Chilwell contest but neither can stay fit for long lately. Wouldn't be surprised to see Trippier line up at LB during the tournament as GS likes him and can cover if neither are fit.

I'm a fan of the new kits for the tournament too for once.

 

I didn't see it but it's good to hear Mainoo did well, we need another option in the holding role.

I'm hearing Bowen played well in both games too although he'll obviously struggle to get a start once Saka is available.

 

I've just read yours and @Jordan posts above but I think I see it slightly different in that he'll only take one of Watkins or Toney and use Rashford or even Bellingham in a false 9 to cover an emergency.

I think that opens up another midfield spot which might see Palmer scrape in.