England's best XI decided as bold Alexander-Arnold and Maguire calls made
Rarely can an England manager have had so much talent at his disposal, but the question remains - just what will Gareth Southgate do with it all?
The Three Lions boss is able to call upon a squad packed full of talent from the Premier League and, as of this summer, two of European football's shining stars at Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, and so it is no wonder that many see his side as favourites for Euro 2024.
Just who should be in his best starting XI though? It is a question which often dominates conversations up and down the land, and so we asked our team who they'd pick.
Andy Dunn
Harry Maguire will either re-establish himself in the Manchester United team or move on loan in January and that is why he still makes the cut for Euro 2024. His partnership with John Stones remains the most reliable on offer to Gareth Southgate.
Kyle Walker has made himself untouchable and there are few alternatives to Luke Shaw. Trent Alexander-Arnold can grow into a midfield role and brings a nice balance to that area.
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The only other place truly up for grabs is alongside Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka and as Jack Grealish has generally been more effective as a substitute, Phil Foden gets the nod as a starter.
Andy's England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Foden
Phil Foden is one of England's options in attack (Getty Images)
Alan Smith
With everyone fit and discounting the possibility of a nosedive in form, eight of the 11 picks should be automatic.
One of the spots up for grabs is at centre half. While Southgate is bound by loyalty to stick with Harry Maguire, his lack of action at Manchester United means the place should go to a player who is a regular at their club. That presents a choice between Marc Guehi and Lewis Dunk and the former's youth should give him an edge.
And a similar logic applies in midfield where neither Kalvin Phillips nor Jordan Henderson can be included if they are not playing or turning out in an unserious league. Trent Alexander-Arnold's position will never not be divisive but he can offer England an added creative dimension. Then there is a spot on the left of the front three and because Marcus Rashford's form has cratered the leading candidate must be Phil Foden.
Alan's England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Shaw; Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Foden.
John Cross
I actually think we’re going to see a team very close to Gareth Southgate’s chosen XI at Wembley on Tuesday night. There’s not many places up for grabs… but there’s a few.
I think there’s a place in central defence available because Harry Maguire isn’t playing regularly. I’m so torn between Marc Guehi and Lewis Dunk. It’s very close.
I’ve gone Kalvin Phillips in midfield because it balances out the midfield - even though he’s not playing that regularly. England simply have to do everything to get the best out of Jude Bellingham! He’s out Euros-winning superstar and this midfield gives him freedom.
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The front three has two stitched on. Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane are world class, in my view. But the third place is still open. And I’d go for Raheem Sterling because he’s just been so good for England. Its almost should be Phil Foden but he needs to reproduce his Man City form. And with Sterling, you can always guarantee that he is a big game player and steps up for England.
John's England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Shaw; Rice, Phillips, Bellingham; Saka, Sterling, Kane.
Raheem Sterling has been left out of the last two squads (Getty Images)
Ben Husband
The vast majority of the team that will start in Germany next year is pretty set in stone, with possibly only two or three places up for discussion.
One of those will be who partners John Stones in the heart of the defence. Harry Maguire remains the frontrunner, despite his position at club level, Southgate still trusts him and he has rarely let him down. I still think he could force his way back in at Old Trafford and will remain a starter for the Three Lions.
Kieran Trippier gets the nod at left-back, with his ability to create something out of nothing a massive plus in tournament football. Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice are the heartbeat of the side, with the creativity of Phil Foden in front of them.
Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane are certainties to start, with a choice of Jack Grealish or Marcus Rashford on the left. It's a bit of a toss-up, but I'll go with Grealish, with the latter a brilliant option off the bench.
Ben's England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Tripper; Rice, Bellingham, Foden; Saka, Kane, Grealish.
Jacob Leeks
It's time for some changes to the England team, with Gareth Southgate's current crop threatening to go stale. With a wealth of attacking talents, Southgate needs to be bolder in his selection.
That means both Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson need to be dropped from the starting line-up. Marc Guehi has impressed at Crystal Palace and should take Maguire's place in central defence alongside John Stones.
Meanwhile, Henderson must also come out of the squad, with James Maddison the man I'd like to see add some creativity to midfield. The Spurs star has been excellent this season, and would surely give England an extra boost in a No.10 role behind Harry Kane.
Jude Bellingham would be at his best in a box-to-box role alongside a deeper sitting Declan Rice, with Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish bringing creativity out wide. While I would like to see Aaron Ramsdale in goal, his struggles to get into Arsenal's team means that Jordan Pickford is the stand-out choice.
Jacob's England XI: Pickford; Walker, Guehi, Stones, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Maddison, Grealish; Kane.
Marc Guehi has been impressive when called upon by England (Bagu Blanco/REX/Shutterstock)
Liam Prenderville
With around eight months to go until the start of Euro 2024, I reckon there are probably only three positions truly up for grabs in Gareth Southgate's starting XI before the inevitable injuries set in.
Despite his impressive England performances over the years, I feel now is the right time for Southgate to take Harry Maguire out of his side. The England boss has a number of options in central defence but Levi Colwill gets the nod for me alongside John Stones after some impressive performances for Chelsea already this season.
Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice have to start but it remains to be seen who lines up alongside them in midfield. A 33-year-old Jordan Henderson, who now plays his football in Saudi Arabia, or Kalvin Phillips, who doesn't really ever play at all, are likely candidates but Trent Alexander-Arnold's displays in midfield earlier in the qualification process mean he deserves a chance.
Southgate also has a number of options at his disposal out wide on the left with Marcus Rashford, James Maddison and Jack Grealish all having had opportunities. But Phil Foden has that star quality and the England boss simply must get him into his side if they are to prove their credentials as one of the favourites for the tournament.
Liam's England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Colwill, Shaw; Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Foden.
Simon Bird
I’m looking for ‘big match, been there, experienced the pressure’ experience. Players who have knocked on the door at the Euros and World Cup, thought about the last ditch failures and can get England one step further in the summer.
Most of the side picks itself. Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker (who better in a duel?), John Stones for his defending and passing, Declan Rice, a Rolls Royce, Jude Bellingham pushed in behind Harry Kane and given freedom to make things happen, Bukayo Saka ’s goal threat along with the talisman Kane.
The debates are over Harry Maguire. Can he get enough games to stay sharp for Manchester United? A January transfer will help his cause, but for now he’s in and under pressure from Marc Guehi and Fikayo Tomori. Luke Shaw is a question too but is in for his big game experience, but I do like Ben Chillwell.
Is Kalvin Phillips central enough to Manchester City ’s first team to stay game fit and nail down a start at the Euros? I think so, ahead of Jordan Henderson. And Marcus Rashford needs to find his goal touch, or James Maddison or Phil Foden are options.
Simon's England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Phillips, Bellingham, Saka, Kane, Rashford.
Kalvin Phillips hasn't seen much football at Manchester City (Mark Greenwood/IPS/REX/Shutterstock)
Tommy Wathen
As Gareth Southgate prepares for his fourth major tournament as England boss this summer, squad selection will be vital if he finally wants to bring it home.
The only real competition for Jordan Pickford over the past 18 months has been Aaron Ramsdale, who now looks unlikely to challenge as he sits on the bench behind David Raya at the Emirates. Nick Pope could be a surprise option though.
In defence, my back four to start the Euros would be Reece James, John Stones, Levi Colwill and Luke Shaw. However, I can see Harry Maguire holding down his position under Southgate over Colwill despite a lack of game time at Old Trafford.
My midfield consists of Declan Rice, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jude Bellingham. Rice and Bellingham are two of our biggest talents and, alongside Trent, can build an international midfield partnership to dominate for many years.
Up front, I've gone for Bukayo Saka and Jack Grealish either side of captain Harry Kane. Many will be picking Marcus Rashford over Grealish, but for me, Man City's record signing is a much more consistent performer than Rashford which is what we'll need to win the Euros next summer.
Tommy's England XI: Pickford, James, Stones, Colwill, Shaw, Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Bellingham, Saka, Kane, Grealish.
Darren Wells
For all his experimenting, Gareth Southgate has already got the majority of his ideal England XI nailed down for Euro 2024. The Three Lions boss is a stickler for experience, but much of England's lineup pretty much picks itself.
Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane, providing they're all fit, are shoe-ins to start.
Given the injuries to Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw, Kieran Trippier could probably be added to that mix, and he'd be my current pick to fill in at left-back.
James Maddison has been on fire for Tottenham and it looks like his time has come to finally show what he can do at international level. The same goes for Jack Grealish who, whilst not appearing to be Southgate's favourite, has improved at Man City and is ahead of Marcus Rashford in the pecking order, while Raheem Sterling is currently well out of the picture. That would mean a place on the bench for Phil Foden.
The only real question mark troubling Southgate is his other centre-back. Harry Maguire needs games under his belt before next summer, but I expect him to play enough to be given the nod, and he'd be my choice purely for his solid partnership with Stones. That said, failure to work his way back in at Manchester United could leave a door open for Levi Colwill, who is his long-term replacement in waiting.
Darren's England XI:Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier; Rice, Bellingham, Maddison; Saka, Grealish, Kane.
James Maddison is in superb form for Tottenham (Paul Marriott/REX/Shutterstock)
David McDonnell
Injuries permitting, this is the strongest England side at Gareth Southgate's disposal for next summer's European Championships in Germany. It pretty much picks itself, if all of the best players in their respective positions are available for the opening group stage game.
Pickford has cemented his status as England No.1, while a back four of Walker, Stones, Maguire and Shaw has the right understanding and experience to work effectively.
Rice anchors the midfield, allowing Bellingham and Foden to push forward and attack, safe in the knowledge they have him as security behind them.
A front three of Saka, Kane and Grealish offers balance and an attacking threat on both sides, with arguably the most prolific striker in Europe leading the line.
David's England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice; Bellingham, Foden; Saka, Kane, Grealish
Mike Walters
Sorry, Jordan - nothing to do with rainbow laces being incompatible with throwing your lot in with the sportswashers. You're not in my best England XI in any event.
If Gareth Southgate is going to give it the full Vorsprung durch Technik in Germany next summer, he might as well take the handbrake off.
We've been down the road of playing cautious tournament football three times now, and it hasn't worked - or at least it hasn't landed the Holy Grail - so England might as well go full-pelt and see if it makes any difference.
Frankly, what's he point in having another golden generation of talent if you're not going to use them? In this slightly gung-ho formation, there's no room in the starting XI for Jack Grealish or Bukayo Saka, but they can be nuclear deterrents to come off the bench and run at tiring defenders if England need to chase the game or break down stubborn defences.
Rico Henry's serious knee injury may exclude him from the Euro 2024 party, which is a pity - he was England's best uncapped left-back by a mile until he was crocked in Brentford's defeat at Newcastle. If he makes a comeback ahead of schedule, he would get the nod at No.3 ahead of Luke Shaw.
Mike's England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Dunk, Henry; Rice; Foden, Bellingham, Maddison; Rashford, Kane.
Lewis Dunk has been called upon by Southgate of late (Shaun Brooks/Action Plus/REX/Shutterstock)
Nathan Ridley
I’m doing a Gareth Southgate and doubling down on some favourites. A lot could change over the course of this season but if the tournament was a winter one like the World Cup, this would be my preferred XI.
There’s no reason to drop Jordan Pickford, while Harry Maguire remains the best option to partner John Stones. I’ve never been an advocate of Trent-Alexander Arnold starting in tournaments for England but given the lack of in-form midfield options, I’d at long last give him a shot.
Jude Bellingham still needs to be given licence to roam forward and produce goals, so I’d hope that the tactical diligence of Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden would ultimately prevent Declan Rice being exposed. That’s similar to my thinking for Kyle Walker because although I’m a big fan of both Kieran Trippier and Reece James, Walker is best-suited to shuffling across and making a back three in possession while giving Alexander-Arnold fewer concerns about getting caught up the pitch thanks to his lightning pace.
Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish are both ideal impact substitutes against tired defences, and it feels like Euro 2024 will see Southgate use the depth of his squad more than ever.
Nathan's England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Foden.
Jenny Brown
With the start he has had at Real Madrid, this entire England squad going into Euro 2024 should be built around Jude Bellingham. Partnering him with Declan Rice in midfield will be a formidable duo that not many other teams will be able to contend with.
Although Levi Colwill is traditionally a centre-back, however, he has been regularly dispatched as a left-back at Chelsea, offering an extra line of security to free up the attacking line.
Harry Kane and Bukayo Saka practically pick themselves for England's attack, but Cole Palmer could offer a nice balance to the front line with his hold-up play and ability to knit together the midfield and forward lines.
The only real question mark is in goal. Aaron Ramsdale offers a presence that Jordan Pickford does not. However, if he's not getting minutes at Arsenal, Southgate may have to make a fresh choice with Sam Johnstone making a case for himself at Crystal Palace this season.
Jenny's England XI: Ramsdale; James, Stones, Tomori, Colwill; Rice; Maddison, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Palmer
Cole Palmer could make the step up from the Under-21s (Ryan Browne/REX/Shutterstock)
Neil McLeman
There is a strong spine to the England squad with John Stones and Declan Rice with Jude Bellingham playing behind Harry Kane in an attacking midfield role. And there is strength and depth in the full-back department and in the number of attacking wide men.
But there are two key positions still up for grabs: the second centre-back alongside Stones and the second holding midfielder to complement Rice.
Harry Maguire has been Gareth Southgate's preferred choice but can the Manchester United defender play next summer if he is not playing regular football? His England record merits his selection if he is ready. And should England pick a strictly defensive midfielder like Kalvin Phillips to allow Rice to roam forward - or go for more creativity with Trent Alexander-Arnold or James Ward Prowse. I would go with Phillips as you win tournaments by not conceding goals.
Either side of Real Madrid star Bellingham in the offensive three there is so much choice with Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden. In-form James Maddison is better in a central role and should be a Plan B.
Neil's England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier; Rice, Phillips; Saka, Bellingham, Rashford, Kane.
Conor Mummery
The most controversial call here is of course Harry Maguire. He's been a mainstay of the Southgate era and whether or not he manages to break into the Manchester United team this season, he'll be lining up alongside John Stones in Germany.
Maguire has scarcely put a foot wrong for England and has formed an understanding with his Manchester City counterpart over the last six years, it would be a big risk breaking up that partnership in favour of a younger alternative with less experience at major tournaments, and one Southgate is unlikely to take.
While Kyle Walker is the safer bet at right-back, you have to get a player of Trent Alexander-Arnold's quality into the team, and he's showed he's more than capable of stepping into a midfield role.
Phil Foden is another talent you just have to find a place for, and if Marcus Rashford's patchy form for Manchester United continues, you'd count Foden as favourite for a starting role in attack.
Conor's England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Foden
Harry Maguire has been backed to hold onto his place (The FA via Getty Images)
Jack Lacey-Hatton
Most of England's starting XI picks itself, but the key issue is in midfield. Real Madrid's Jude Bellingham would be my first name on the teamsheet, with Declan Rice only just behind. But who can slot in alongside them and provide a long-range pass when needed, giving Gareth Southgate that creative spark that I believe cost England at the the last Euros final?
Against weaker opposition Trent Alexander-Arnold could do a job there, no problem. But I don't think it would be fair to the team, or on him, to put the Liverpool star up against the best midfields in Europe, when that isn't his natural position.
So I'd look to have James Maddison in a deeper role than the one we see him in at Spurs, feeding a front three of Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Phil Foden. We also have a serious problem in terms of quality centre-backs, but I'll plump with Marc Guehi to partner John Stones, ahead of Lewis Dunk.
Jack's England team: Pickford, Walker, Stones, Guehi, Shaw, Rice, Bellingham, Maddison, Saka, Foden, Kane.
Josh O'Brien
Aaron Ramsdale's recent Arsenal misfortune means Jordan Pickford is the main man in goal. Harry Maguire's inclusion will always spark debate, but in truth I have been unconvinced by the other names tested in that role and as a result the Manchester United defender stays in the side.
Kalvin Phillips has played precious little football at Manchester City, but another warm body is needed alongside Arsenal ace Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham has proved via his stunning start to life at Real Madrid he is most useful in a more attacking role.
Phil Foden's stellar talent is difficult to ignore, but he is yet to really replicate the kind of form Man City fans see so often at international level and as a result, Raheem Sterling gets the nod.
Josh's England XI: Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw; Rice, Phillips; Bellingham; Saka, Kane, Sterling.
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