Highlights
- England enter Euro 2024 as one of the favourites after suffering heartbreak at the previous edition against Italy.
- Every squad announcement for Euro 2024 has to be made at least one week before the tournament in Germany begins in June.
- Key players like Kane, Bellingham and Maguire are guaranteed slots, however, newcomers like Mainoo and Branthwaite are in contention.
England always go into major international tournaments with pressure on their backs – but 2024 is different. The Three Lions go into Euro 2024 in Germany as the favourites, placing expectations at a level that has never been seen in the country since the ‘Golden Generation’. In recent tournaments, they have come perilously close to glory, losing the Euro 2020 final on penalties to Italy.
The squad for the tournament in Germany will have to be well-rounded to go one step further. England didn’t win either March friendly against Brazil or Belgium, with several players failing to impress manager Gareth Southgate. However, the former England player has also had his favourites over the years, showcased by Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire consistently playing despite poor club form.
With the days of Euro 2024 edging closer, here is everything you need to know about when Southgate will officially name his squad for the competition, while also highlighting who are guaranteed players on the plane to Germany and who might miss out. Prepare for a summer of footballing chaos as the world focuses on England’s bid to become European champions for the first time.
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Squad Announcement Deadline
On Tuesday, 21st May, two days after the conclusion of the 2023/24 Premier League season, Southgate will announce his final preliminary squad. England will play two friendlies as a final tune-up for the tournament, going up against Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park on 3rd June before travelling down to Wembley Stadium for a meeting with Iceland four days later.
However, several key players from Manchester City and Manchester United are involved in the FA Cup final on 25th May, four days after the preliminary list is revealed. Therefore, it is likely that Southgate will name a large squad with several players unavailable for the friendlies — and the injury status of those who can’t be played. He reiterated that idea in March:
There are so many questions on injuries. It’s inevitable we’re going to be naming a longer squad, which is what we did before the Euros here.
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Meanwhile, the deadline for the final Euro 2024 squad is on Friday, 7th June — the same day as England’s final friendly against Iceland. The deadline is only nine days before Southgate has to pick a starting XI for the first group game against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.
Fortunately for the England manager, UEFA announced at the start of May that each nation could select squads comprised of 26 players. Only 23 had been permitted before European football’s governing body had a change of heart after consulting the continent’s national teams.
Southgate had spent much of the buildup to his squad announcement fretting over the limitations brought by 23-man squads. “We can take far fewer gambles,” the England boss bemoaned, warning that he was not sure if he could call up as many ‘doubtful’ players. Now that the restrictions have been lifted, Southgate has plenty of licence for some risky selections when he finally reveals his set-up in June.
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Deadlines |
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|---|---|
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Provisional squad named |
21st May |
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Deadline for 26-man UEFA squad |
7th June |
Who is on the Plane to Germany?
Harry Kane
Harry Kane is the first name on the teamsheet for England. He’s one of the best players in the world, capable of dictating the tempo of matches with ease. England aren’t ever at their best without him — and Southgate will have made sure he has a seat on the plane months, if not years, ago.
He has scored 62 times in 89 appearances for the Three Lions – the most of any player of all time, whilst his experience in Germany with Bayern Munich might prove pivotal come the summer. England have often fallen over the final few hurdles, and the lack of players abroad has never helped in that situation.
Jude Bellingham
But Kane isn’t the only England player plying his trade abroad. Jude Bellingham, seen as one of the best players in the world, is England’s not-so-secret weapon. Anything that they do will revolve around Kane and the youngster, particularly during the knockout stages. When he joined Real Madrid last summer, he was seen as the heir to former player Zinedine Zidane.
With great power comes great responsibility, yet the Birmingham City prodigy took that in his stride, instantly becoming a fan favourite in the Spanish capital. For England, he rescued a draw in the dying seconds against Belgium in March, epitomising how he will be a ‘clutch’ player for the country in Germany.
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Harry Maguire
When you think of the best English footballers in the world, you think of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and the two previous names mentioned. You won’t think of Harry Maguire, but the truth is that he has been exemplary for the Three Lions ever since the 2018 World Cup. He may not be one of the best Premier League centre-backs, unlike the likes of William Saliba and Virgil van Dijk, but the former Leicester City defender can go under the radar. England are at their weakest in the heart of defence, yet with Maguire’s reliable performances under Southgate, it seems all but guaranteed that he will be playing in Germany — deservedly so as well.
Who is in Contention?
Kobbie Mainoo
At the start of the season, Kobbie Mainoo was a name only Manchester United’s most committed fans had heard of. The odd appearance during first-team training highlighted his potential, but he was regularly seen as a youth player. Fast-forward a matter of months and the midfielder is taking centre stage in the middle of the park for the most valuable football club in the world.
Mainoo’s ability to dictate and change the tempo of matches is remarkable — and his natural fitness has provided the Red Devils with a new breath of life during an inconsistent period. It is unclear if Southgate will choose experience, potentially through Kalvin Phillips, over Mainoo, but the youngster impressed against Belgium in the most recent international break. The future is here for England’s midfield.
Jarrad Branthwaite
Some might argue Jarrad Branthwaite is a left-field choice here, but after being called up to the squad for the March friendlies, it is clear he is held in high regard by Southgate and the coaching staff. He didn’t play a single minute, with Lewis Dunk and Ezri Konsa surprisingly preferred, but the Everton centre-back’s talent is clear.
The 21-year-old, who is right-footed but so strong on his left foot that many people believe he is a lefty, has provided the Toffees during the club’s triumphant battle against relegation and points deductions. His strength, power, composure and pace create a centre-back who fits in seamlessly in the modern game. The only question mark will be if Southgate prefers the experience through the Brighton centre-back Dunk instead.
Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson left Liverpool last summer to join Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq. In doing so, he left behind history, prestige and European football for a country criticised for its lack of human rights and a bucket load of money. The former Sunderland midfielder quickly realised it wasn’t for him as he terminated his contract with the club before joining Ajax in January. It was in a bid to save his hopes for the Euros squad, yet even that might not be enough, with Henderson failing to set the world alight in a struggling Ajax team. There’s no doubt that he brings experience to the squad, but his ability is worsening by the day.
Ivan Toney
There is no question who will be England’s starting striker at the Euros, presuming he is fit and injury-free. However, Kane’s backup is not so clear, with both Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney staking their claim for the spot. The Brentford striker has struggled to replicate his goalscoring form from last season since returning from his ban, while Watkins has fired Aston Villa to the brink of Champions League qualification. Toney provides a more physical and focal presence up front, yet that is only worth so much if he struggles to score the goals.
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