Gareth Southgate will name his latest England squad on Wednesday in anticipation of the Three Lions’ upcoming qualifying games against Malta and North Macedonia in June.
England are preparing to resume their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign to secure a spot at next summer’s tournament in Germany.
Gareth Southgate’s men defeated top seeds Italy 2-1 away from home in March before defeating Ukraine at Wembley. The squad will head to Malta before facing North Macedonia at Old Trafford.
Who will be involved in the squad? Amongst the usual wildcards, Arsenal defender Ben White is tipped to make an appearance in the England squad after having a chat with Gareth Southgate earlier this week. White’s name might not be the only surprise inclusion – and some big names may be left at home.
StoryHub has predicted Southgate’s 23-man squad.
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford is still in line to take the number one spot for England, despite his Everton team fighting relegation. Southgate hardly makes the decision to swap around his goalkeepers, and Pickford will surely be strapping up his gloves for the qualifiers in June.
Nick Pope has seen his Newcastle team go from strength-to-strength this season – and a large amount of praise must be placed on Newcastle’s number 22. Southgate must be noticing the man in form with 14 clean sheets and only five losses this season.
Aaron Ramsdale will be relishing the fight to be England’s number one after a magnificent season for the Arsenal number one. His Arsenal team came just short of the Premier League title after eventual winners, Manchester City, but Ramsdale will surely be at St. George’s Park in June.
Defenders
Kyle Walker is always one of the first names on Gareth Southgate’s England squad, and this one should be no different. A pacy, experienced full-back with plenty left in the tank will definitely be in Southgate’s plans.
Ben White has been looked over keenly in recent weeks by the England staff and had a chat with Gareth Southgate recently. White had to pull out of the World Cup squad due to personal reasons but will be keen to get back amongst it with his international team.
Harry Maguire may have fallen out of favour with Manchester United, but the same cannot be said about the England camp. Maguire performs to the best of his ability every time he dons the white and blue of his country and will continue to do so in June.
Kieran Trippier has been on fire with his club recently. If Trippier finds himself setting up a free-kick on the edge of the box, the outcome is usually a goal for his club, and that’s exactly what England will need for the qualifiers.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is much the same as Trippier, an offensive-minded full-back who is deadly with a set-piece. Liverpool have benefited greatly from this in recent weeks, and England will want much the same from Liverpool’s number 66.
Luke Shaw has been a mainstay in the England squad over recent years, and without him, the England squad and fans would never have had that moment against Italy in Euro 2020. While this year has been one of the average proportions for Luke, he still has a big part to play for England.
Eric Dier has been a magnificent servant for England over the recent years and will surely keep his place in the qualifiers. Although his season with Tottenham has been below-par, he will continue to serve his country to the best of his ability.
Fikayo Tomori is commonly known as the most overlooked player in the England squad – but has without question put himself in with a shout. His AC Milan team reached the semi-final of the Champions League, and he played a huge part. Tomori could do big things for his national team if he’s given the chance.
Lewis Dunk has had an incredible season with Brighton. With just one England call-up there is no doubt that there should be more caps on his shelf, and why not start in June?
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham is one of the brightest talents in the world – and England needs to keep utilising this. He’s slowly becoming one of the best players in the squad and needs to be on that plane.
Jordan Henderson is the most vocal person on the pitch every time he steps onto the grass. England will do well to take Liverpool’s captain to the qualifiers, to keep all the other players on their toes and working hard for the team.
Declan Rice is the definition of hard work, and when he’s playing for his country, he leaves everything that he has on the pitch. A workhorse and a brilliant player to have in the dressing room.
Morgan Gibbs-White, Nottingham Forest’s shining star in their bid to stay in the Premier League – and deserves the call-up for the first time in his career.
James Ward-Prowse has been one of the best players in a diminishing Southampton team, his set-pieces are second to none, and England know what he can do if given the chance at St. Georges Park.
James Maddison finds himself battling relegation, but despite this, he is one of the bright sparks that keep Leicester going at their darkest times. With dazzling feet and a venomous shot, he could still be part of the England set-up.
Attackers
Harry Kane is one of the best English players ever. His records speak for themselves. He’s on the plane.
Phil Foden has five Premier League titles at the age of 22. His quick feet and fast change in direction make him a nightmare for defenders and the reason he should be in the camp.
Jack Grealish has found a new dimension to his game at Manchester City and is finally living up to his big price tag. His style of play is dazzling and his clinical essence in front of goal is deadly.
Marcus Rashford is having the season of his life at Manchester United and England need to take one of the most in-form players at the moment to the qualifiers if they want to progress.
Bukayo Saka is fresh off signing a new contract with Arsenal and is one of the most promising young players on the planet, he has put the Euro 2020 heartbreak behind him and is coming back better than ever to the England squad.
