As Euro 2024 approaches, Gareth Southgate has named his provisional 33-man squad, sparking discussions and debates among fans and pundits alike. This comprehensive look into the squad provides insights into key decisions, tactics, fixtures, predictions, and the best players to watch.
Provisional Squad Overview
Southgate’s 33-man squad for the training camp ahead of Euro 2024 includes some surprising inclusions and notable omissions. The final squad will be trimmed to 26 players by June 7, following friendlies against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland.
Key Omissions and Inclusions
Omissions:
Jordan Henderson: Struggling to regain form after moving to Ajax.
Marcus Rashford: Below par season with Manchester United.
Kalvin Phillips: Lacked game time and form.
Raheem Sterling: Despite his usual tournament form, couldn’t break into the squad.
Ben Chilwell: Fitness concerns have left him out despite Shaw’s injury doubts.
Inclusions:
Adam Wharton and Curtis Jones: Both earned their first senior call-ups, showcasing the depth and emerging talent within England’s ranks.
Jarell Quansah: Liverpool’s young defender gets a nod following an impressive season.
Ivan Toney: Included despite a scoring drought, highlighting Southgate’s faith in his abilities.
Squad Breakdown
Here’s a detailed look at the provisional squad:
Goalkeepers:
Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
James Trafford (Burnley)
Defenders:
Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United)
John Stones (Manchester City)
Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton)
Lewis Dunk (Brighton)
Joe Gomez (Liverpool)
Harry Maguire (Manchester United)
Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
Luke Shaw (Manchester United)
Jarrel Quansah (Liverpool)
Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace)
Midfielders:
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Conor Gallagher (Chelsea)
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Curtis Jones (Liverpool)
Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)
Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United)
James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur)
Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)
Forwards:
Jack Grealish (Manchester City)
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United)
Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)
Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Phil Foden (Manchester City)
Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Ivan Toney (Brentford)
Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
Cole Palmer (Chelsea)
Tactics and Formation
England is likely to deploy a 4-2-3-1 formation, a setup Southgate has favored in recent tournaments. This formation allows for defensive stability while providing the flexibility to exploit the attacking talents at Southgate’s disposal.
Defensive Setup
With John Stones and Harry Maguire likely anchoring the central defense, Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw are expected to occupy the full-back positions. However, Shaw’s fitness remains a concern, which might open up opportunities for others like Marc Guehi or Jarrad Branthwaite.
Midfield Dynamics
Declan Rice will play a crucial role as a defensive midfielder, likely partnered with Jude Bellingham, who offers box-to-box dynamism. Trent Alexander-Arnold’s listing as a midfielder adds another layer of creativity, capable of transitioning the play from defense to attack seamlessly.
Attacking Prowess
Harry Kane, the team’s captain and primary goal threat, will lead the line. Flanking him, Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden are expected to provide width and creativity, with the potential for Jack Grealish and Jarrod Bowen to make significant impacts from the bench. Jude Bellingham, playing as a number 10, will be pivotal in linking the midfield with the attack, rotating with Kane to disrupt defensive setups.
Fixtures and Predictions
England has been drawn into Group C, facing Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia. Here’s a closer look at their group stage fixtures:
June 16: England vs. Serbia (Gelsenkirchen)
June 20: England vs. Denmark (Munich)
June 24: England vs. Slovenia (Frankfurt)
Group Stage Predictions
Serbia: A talented squad but historically underwhelming in tournaments. England should secure a win if they remain disciplined.
Denmark: Familiar opponents from previous tournaments, capable of providing a stern test. A narrow win or a draw is likely.
Slovenia: Less experienced on the big stage. England should dominate this fixture, securing an easy victory.
Key Players to Watch
Harry Kane
The prolific striker topped the Bundesliga scoring charts with Bayern Munich and remains England’s primary goal threat.
Jude Bellingham
Bellingham has had a stellar season with Real Madrid and is expected to be the creative fulcrum for England in midfield.
Phil Foden
A crucial player for Manchester City, Foden’s versatility and creativity will be key for breaking down stubborn defenses.
Tactical Nuances and Set-Pieces
England’s approach is characterized by structured build-up play and effective use of set-pieces. With Harry Maguire and John Stones as aerial threats, and James Maddison’s precise delivery, England will look to exploit set-piece situations.
Defensive Solidity
Southgate’s preference for a mid-block 4-4-2 when out of possession ensures defensive solidity. This disciplined approach has served England well in recent tournaments, making them difficult to break down.
Potential Knockout Path
If England tops Group C, they will face a third-place finisher from Group D, E, or F in the Round of 16. This could be one of Poland, Austria, Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine, Czechia, Turkey, or Georgia. Progressing through this match would likely set up a quarter-final clash against a runner-up from Group A or B, potentially Germany, Switzerland, Spain, Italy, or Croatia.
Conclusion
England heads into Euro 2024 with justified optimism, boasting a squad rich in talent and depth. While the road to the final in Berlin is fraught with potential challenges, including possible encounters with France and Germany, the Three Lions have the quality and tactical nous to navigate their way through. With key players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Phil Foden in peak form, England’s chances of lifting the trophy are substantial. However, maintaining focus and managing injuries will be crucial for their success.
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Explanation: player statistics (a/b c)
a - games played this season
b - goals scored
c - team position (d - defender, m - midfielder, f - forward, g - goalkeeper).
