England are heading to the Euros this summer with huge expectations on their shoulders.
After losing out three years ago in the final on penalties at Wembley, anything other than a victory this time would be seen by many as a disappointment.
It’s no secret that manager Gareth Southgate has an array of talented individuals to pick from with England’s squad, arguably, on par with the cream of the crop at the tournament.
However, only 26 players will make the cut. So, just who gives England the best chance of lifting major silverware for the first time since 1966?
It’s a decision that rests ultimately with Southgate. The likes of captain Harry Kane and midfield stalwart Declan Rice are certainties barring injury, but there are still a few places up for grabs.
You can find all the latest Euro 2024 odds on the Paddy Power website and Paddy Power app, otherwise, here’s a detailed look at who could be on the plane to Germany.
- Read More on the Date and Time of the England Squad Announcement
Goalkeepers
England aren’t rich in quality or quantity in this department, but the ever-reliable Jordan Pickford is the shoo-in candidate for the number one jersey this summer after producing near-faultless displays at the past few major tournaments.
He’ll be joined by two back-ups, one of which is likely to be Aaron Ramsdale. Despite falling out of favour at Arsenal, Southgate has favoured him as the best of the rest.
If Nick Pope recovers from injury in time he could be in contention for the third spot, otherwise it’s likely to go to Dean Henderson.
Defenders
Perhaps the weakest area of the pitch for England. There are question marks over which defenders should be included and which system England will play.
Harry Maguire and John Stones is the most likely centre-back partnership, with Kyle Walker almost certain to start at right-back if he is fit. Jarrard Branthwaite and Marc Guehi could make the squad as cover for the first choice partnership at the heart of the defence.
Left-back is an uncertain position with no guarantee usual starter Luke Shaw will be fit. If he fails to recover from injury then Southgate will have to consider other options. This could be Ben Chilwell, Kieran Trippier or even Joe Gomez who has played the position for Liverpool several times this season.
There’s also Trent Alexander-Arnold who is a likely option and could also be deployed in midfield.
Versatility across this backline is likely to make a huge difference in a player’s chance of securing a place.
Midfielders
The big question is who will start alongside Declan Rice in the engine room. Teenage sensation Kobbie Mainoo recently made his debut for England after impressing greatly at Manchester United and many have called for him to start.
Jordan Henderson is an experienced option that Southgate is likely to include in the final 26 despite his disastrous spell in Saudi Arabia. Jude Bellingham is, arguably, England’s best player currently and will also be in the squad.
Cole Palmer’s incredible form this season at Chelsea has also seen him feature heavily and he would make a very good option off the bench.
There’s also Conor Gallagher who is another option to sit alongside Declan Rice in the base of midfield.
Despite criticisms from many this season, Jack Grealish is also likely to be included if he’s injury-free, while James Maddison would be an additional creative spark.
Southgate has a lot of options to choose from and ultimately someone will be left at home.
Forwards
Harry Kane will lead the line for England if he can stay fit, with Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins left to battle it out to be his understudy. The latter should get the nod on account of his superior form.
As for the wingers Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden are also certainties, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Gordon likely to be included as options off the bench.
Paddy Power’s Predicted England Euro 2024 squad
Paddy Power’s trusty traders have priced up a betting market on the Football Specials section of paddypower.com and we’ve built a 26-man squad based on the Pick Your England Euro 2024 Finals Squad odds.
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford
Aaron Ramsdale
Nick Pope
Defenders
John Stones
Kyle Walker
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Harry Maguire
Kieran Trippier
Ben Chilwell
Jarrad Branthwaite
Luke Shaw
Marc Guehi
Midfielders
Declan Rice
Jude Bellingham
Cole Palmer
Conor Gallagher
Kobbie Mainoo
James Maddison
Jack Grealish
Jordan Henderson
Forwards
Harry Kane
Bukayo Saka
Phil Foden
Ollie Watkins
Anthony Gordon
Marcus Rashford
Read More on Euro 2024
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