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Denmark 0 – 0 Serbia

On: June 26, 2024 By: admin

Denmark secured a place in the knockout phase of Euro 2024 with a nervy 0-0 draw against Serbia who head home after coming bottom of Group C.

The Danes had the most possession and chances, with Christian Eriksen pulling the strings from midfield, but were unable to turn that into a goal in their third draw of the tournament.

They will await UEFA confirmation of whether they came second or third in the group – affecting who they face in the last 16 – depending on disciplinary points or rankings versus Slovenia who also drew 0-0 with England in their simultaneous game.

Serbia defended stoutly for long periods, but could not provide opportunities for veteran striker Aleksandar Mitrovic who appealed unsuccessfully for a penalty several times. They came fourth in the group with two points from two draws.

Both teams had goals disallowed, Denmark for a corner that went out of play and Serbia for offside.

More to follow…

Stats: Story of the match

Group C final results…

Phil Foden: Gareth Southgate defends England midfielder after criticism of Serbia performance | Football News

On: June 19, 2024 By: admin

Gareth Southgate knows people want to see the “sexy” side of Phil Foden but believes England would not have beaten Serbia without his work off the ball.

The Euro 2020 runners-up began their quest for continental glory in Germany with a hard-fought 1-0 win courtesy of Jude Bellingham’s early header on Sunday evening.

England started their tournament opener brightly but had to dig deep to see off Serbia, leading to the performance to be pored over in great detail by fans and pundits alike.

Foden’s performance has come under the spotlight given he has yet to take his sparkling Manchester City displays onto the international scene, but Southgate is more than happy with him. In fact, he praised the 24-year-old’s key role ahead of Thursday’s second Group C match against Denmark in Frankfurt.

“I thought Phil did an incredible job for the team on Sunday,” Southgate said.

“You know, sometimes the bits with the ball are obvious and they catch the eye, but the amount of ground he covered, the angles of pressing, the filling in for people who were further forward.

“I thought without Phil’s contribution without the ball – and I know that’s not the sexy bit and everybody wants to see him on the ball – I don’t think we win the game.

“So then later in the game when we needed somebody to retain the ball and take the pressure, I thought he did that really well for us.”

Asked if he agreed there was another level to come for Foden, the England boss added: “I think Phil has obviously set an incredibly high bar at Manchester City, where he knows exactly where every player is going to be every time he picks the ball up.

“A club that he’s been at since he’s been 13 years old. He used to go in there during the week for training, so an environment that he’s known nothing else.

“With us, we’re always having to adapt to different team-mates, different runs they make and there is adaptation with that.”

Southgate on background noise: ‘My job is to keep players on track’

Southgate has stressed the importance of blocking out background noise as England look to seal Euro 2024 progress with a game to spare.

Bellingham’s winner came during a fantastic start for England that petered out as they lost control, leading to debate and discussion about all manner of issues.

Southgate has long since learned to ignore such talk, with this his fourth – and perhaps final – tournament as manager, having gone to four more as a player. Social media can make it harder for modern day footballers to focus on the matter at hand, but the England boss has been trying to keep the focus on what is important ahead of facing Denmark.

“There’s no point having a rule because young men are going to use social media, in a positive way in the main,” Southgate said. “They are going to search for things. When I was playing, we read newspapers. I don’t do it.

“My world is a happier place if I shut myself off. It is not good from a global perspective because I haven’t got a clue what’s going on in politics or events elsewhere. But for the next month that is going to be a better place for me. So that helps me really keep on track. I think some of our players take a similar approach, others will definitely look at stuff.

“There’s more noise around a national team than there ever is around a club team. Millions of people in your own country, extensive media coverage, social media, one guy writing a comment on social media gets put in a newspaper now, that’s a story. So it’s a different world.

“Personally I accept that’s how it is. It is not going to affect what I do. My job is to keep the players on track.”

Southgate: Shaw not fit to face Denmark

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw won’t be available to face Denmark, Southgate confirmed.

The England boss said Shaw trained away from the squad on Wednesday and insisted the Manchester United left-back won’t be rushed back into action.

Southgate said: “Luke won’t be involved tomorrow, he’s on track for what we thought originally. He needs a bit more work. There are days when he needs to do more than the rest and needs to recover.

“He’s still in and out with the others and operating on his own programme as well.”

When asked if Shaw might not be fit until after the group stages, Southgate added: “Luke is obviously an outstanding player. That’s why we’ve taken the decision to bring him although he’s not played for so long.

“I don’t want to put a timeline on it right at this moment. He’s progressing well.

“The balance he gives, the drive he gives, whoever plays with him down that side of the pitch he gives a different outlet. We’re adapting to not having him and having to find a different way.”

Schmeichel: England better now than team that made Euro 2020 final

Kasper Schmeichel says Denmark are facing a better England side than the one that beat them in the Euros semi-finals three years ago – a galling loss that he insists provides no added motivation.

The Scandinavians are looking to kick-start their Euro 2024 campaign in Frankfurt having been pegged back by Slovenia as their Group C opener ended 1-1 on Sunday.

England will seal a place in the round of 16 if they beat Denmark, having defeated Serbia 1-0 in Gelsenkirchen where man of the match Bellingham’s early header was the difference.

The Real Madrid star has become a key player since the nations last met in the Euro 2020 semi-finals and Schmeichel believes Gareth Southgate’s men have reached new heights.

“I think England were a world-class side when we met them,” the former Leicester goalkeeper said.

“They got to the final of a major championship, so they were definitely a world-class side when we met them.

“And I think when you look at some of the additions since and the experience they’ve gained now over time, I think they’re probably a better side now than ever, at least in the time I’ve been playing them against them.

“You look at then, all over the pitch they have world-class talent, so they’re a very good side and we’re going to have to be on top of our game to beat them.”

Walker: We won’t take Denmark lightly

England defender Kyle Walker:

“I don’t think we underestimate any opponent that we play.

“I think that you have to give them the level of respect that they deserve. Obviously, they’ve got a number of players in the Premier League.

“I played a number of years with Christian Eriksen at Tottenham and in some moments he can produce magic on the drop of the hat.

“We go into the game fully focused and wanting the three points as we did the other night and hopefully we can play a little bit better in the second half and hopefully the nerves have gone a little bit.”

Southgate: We know we can play better

Southgate was asked about Schmeichel’s comments and believes his side still have plenty of room for improvement, especially after their narrow win over Serbia in their Euro 2024 opener.

“I think we have to prove that really. The opponent is not going to sit here and say we’re a load of idiots and lead into the game that way.

“We know we have good players, we know we can play better than the other day. But I thought the players in an incredibly pressurised moment started exceptionally well and defended brilliantly throughout the whole game. I think they’ll be better for having a game under their belt.

“Emotionally there’s so much tension I don’t think people can really understand what it is like for young players. We are pleased to have got a result from that and we know we have to be good tomorrow.”

Euro 2024 – Serbia 0-1 England player ratings: Marc Guehi and Declan Rice impress in defence as Three Lions win opener | Football News

On: June 17, 2024 By: admin

It wasn’t pretty – but England got off to a winning start to Euro 2024 thanks to a 1-0 win over Serbia.

When Jude Bellingham’s 13th-minute opener went in, the floodgates were primed to open – but Gareth Southgate’s side found it tricky.

A quieter-than-usual Harry Kane struck the bar late in the game while Jordan Pickford denied Dusan Vlahovic with a stunning finger-tip save late on, but the Three Lions settled for a one-goal victory to move to the top of Group C.

Make your own player ratings and take a look at Sky Sports football journalist Sam Blitz’s player ratings below…

England

Jordan Pickford – 7

Before his stunning save to deny Dusan Vlahovic in the final ten minutes, the only real involvement from England’s No 1 was one punch.

But the manner in which he tipped the late effort over shows the sign of a good goalkeeper – concentration when critical.

The clear plan was to go long towards Kane and Pickford kicked into the right areas. A tenth clean sheet at a major tournament is nothing to be sniffed at as well.

Kyle Walker – 8

Outstanding at both ends. The Man City captain was important in sweeping up any early counter-attacks as England suffocated Serbia early on. Then provided the key pass at the other end to release Bukayo Saka for Bellingham’s goal.

The right-back almost scored a second, which would have calmed England’s second-half nerves, but the pace he showed to create the chance proved why he is one of the first names on the teamsheet.

John Stones -7

Any accusations that he was not ready enough for this game were dismissed when he barged Dusan Vlahovic after 20 seconds to stop an early Serbian chance.

The Man City defender did show signs of tiredness, but that is to be expected given his lack of minutes. An awkward clearance at the end of the first half showed that, while Filip Mladenovic started giving him issues down the right in the second period.

But he then produced a key header with minutes left as Serbia put on the pressure late on. After some availability doubts, Stones is back.

Marc Guehi – 8

Phenomenal.

The Crystal Palace defender showed calmness in possession – his first misplaced pass came after the hour mark.

The way he stepped forward to win the ball back in dangerous areas shows he has the presence that Harry Maguire left behind. If he carries on like this, it’s a game-changing summer ahead.

Kieran Trippier – 7

Mr Reliable. Trippier was forced to provide width down the left due to Phil Foden cutting inside, but was still at the right place in the England penalty area when required.

Given the left-back has struggled for minutes in recent weeks, this was a solid display should Luke Shaw need more time to recover.

Declan Rice – 9

A real faultless display, the reliable balance to all that creativity ahead of him.

The Arsenal midfielder produced double digits in ball recoveries and quite a few of them came in important moments on the edge of his own box.

Rice is growing into a big-game player for country now, not just club. And you can see why Gareth Southgate has put him in his leadership group.

Trent Alexander-Arnold – 8

A livewire. Had plenty of shots from midfield and took up good areas – while his smart interception created the Walker chance in the first half.

He was taken off as England needed more energy in midfield, but the Liverpool player showed he can do the running side of the game as well.

He made that mistake for Aleksandr Mitrovic’s first-half chance but it was a small dot on a very encouraging display.

Jude Bellingham – 9

England’s flame. After the first half, you were looking at one of the all-time Three Lions displays at a major tournament.

For the second major tournament in a row, a Bellingham late run and header into the box has got England up and running. While he will take the headlines, this all-round display was impressive.

He recorded the most duels won in the England team and Serbia could only foul him to stop him. His attitude to give some aggression back to his opponents makes him even more box office.

Bukayo Saka – 8

The way he kept taking on his opposite number, you wouldn’t think this was his first start in five weeks. He hassled Filip Kostic in one-on-ones so much in the first half that the Serbian wing-back was forced off due to injury, probably caused by exhaustion.

The Arsenal winger is not just England’s out ball on the break down the right, but the change in direction this team needs to break down tight defences. His assist for Bellingham’s opener proves that.

Harry Kane – 7

Another intriguing performance. England’s captain touched the ball just once in the first half an hour and twice in the whole opening period. His third touch was even intercepted by the referee.

But Kane was given a real test by Serbia’s centre-backs, especially in the air. He rose to the challenge in the second period and brought the Three Lions up the pitch brilliantly – then could have got a second only for a stunning save onto the bar.

If he has to be selfless so others, especially Bellingham, can thrive, then so be it.

Phil Foden – 7

The Premier League Player of the Year was in the game but wasn’t really influencing it. Foden didn’t take any Serbia defenders on but did get involved defensively.

How the Man City forward influences this team will still remain a mystery for Southgate.

Substitutes

Conor Gallagher – 6

Brought on as England’s energy levels dropped and the Three Lions did improve a little after his introduction. But too many lost balls and heavy touches meant Southgate’s side couldn’t settle. The Chelsea midfielder could still be useful against higher-quality opposition.

Jarrod Bowen – 7

Many cried “Bowen?!” when he was preferred to Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon as a wide replacement. But then the West Ham winger beat his opposite number and set up Kane brilliantly to strike the bar. Southgate appears to trust him, that’s why he travelled.

Kobbie Mainoo (n/a)

Not on long enough for a rating, but being trusted for the final few minutes as Bellingham’s replacement is another impressive landmark for the teenager.

Jude Bellingham carries England to Euro 2024 victory over Serbia as he shows Europe that he is a cut above the rest | Football News

On: June 17, 2024 By: admin

Jude Bellingham’s goal was the difference between the two teams and that was appropriate. He was playing a different sport to everyone else on the pitch for much of England’s win over Serbia.

Back on German soil, the country where he was named Bundesliga player of the year in his final season with Borussia Dortmund, the current La Liga player of the year and Champions League winner with Real Madrid just looked a cut above the rest.

On the night that he became the youngest European player ever to appear in three major tournaments, he was the undoubted player of the match. His demeanour from the outset suggests he is ready to win this. But he will need this team to go with him.

Serbia had not even completed a pass when he poked the ball through for Phil Foden in the fifth minute only for the Manchester City player to fail to control it. Twelve minutes in, he started and finished the move that brought the only goal of the game.

The sight of Bellingham collecting the ball off the defence at one end of the pitch before making that late run into the box to score at the other brought to mind a conversation this past winter with the last box-to-box midfielder to win the Ballon d’Or.

Lothar Matthaus, when asked if any player in today’s game reminded him of himself, replied: “Nobody. No one.” Typical Matthaus bluster. But after pausing for the laughter, he delivered the truthful answer. “He is playing now at Real Madrid. Bellingham.”

Matthaus won everything at international level in his illustrious career so that remains a huge compliment but Bellingham has since won the European Cup that eluded the great German midfielder and may well join him in the Ballon d’Or club before long.

The combination of power and grace in that No 10 shirt had echoes of the game’s most complete players in his position. A drop of the shoulder here, a driving run there. Time and again, he received the ball in tight areas and opened up space for himself with ease.

Harry Kane is the England captain, his country’s record goalscorer, but this is Bellingham’s team now. While Kane stayed high, having the fewest touches of the ball of any England player in the opening 45 minutes, Bellingham had the most. He was dominant.

On the ball, he oozed class. His gorgeous cross-field volley drew gasps followed by admiring calls of ‘Jude’ from the England supporters among the crowd. He completed the most passes in the final third and ranked second for dribbles.

Serbia could not stop him by fair means or foul. He was fouled twice as often as anyone else in the first half and those were just the ones that the referee stopped play for. At one point, he rose from the deck in one movement to glide away all the same.

Off the ball, he was just as impressive, leading the press. Nobody else won more than four duels in that first 45 minutes. Bellingham won eight. There was a feistiness too, epitomised by his trademark rousing of the crowd before squaring up to an opponent.

How far can Bellingham take this team?

Bellingham aside, concerns emerged after the interval. Familiar failings could well undermine England’s chances of success in Germany. Nobody else looked to be at his level and, worryingly, that seemed to extend to decision-making as well as quality.

A lack of energy in midfield, hinted at in that disappointing defeat to Iceland, became a problem again. There was a moment in the second half when Bellingham pressed, his strides eating up the grass, only for Kane not to join him. He was exasperated.

The problem was exacerbated by a wastefulness in possession, an apparent lack of awareness of what the situation demanded – just keep the football. Alexander-Arnold surrendered it attempting a bold pass as others urged him to hold onto it.

Perhaps the shakiness seen in the second half should not have come as a surprise. This win in Gelsenkirchen is the first time that England have ever won the opening game of a European Championship campaign outside of Wembley Stadium.

As Serbia seemed to wrestle control of the game, there were shades of those chastening experiences later in tournaments. Those times that Southgate’s England have come up short, having been unable to press home an early advantage.

They led Croatia in a World Cup semi-final midway through the second half and lost. They led Italy in a European Championship final midway through the second half and lost. But it now feels worth mentioning that Bellingham was not on that particular job.

If there is an issue around mentality, in this squad or even in the national psyche, he is unaffected by it. At club level, the accepted wisdom is that Real Madrid possess an innate belief others lack. Bellingham carries that same swagger in an England shirt.

How far can it carry the rest? England as a team will need to improve. If they can do so, they know they have a player in Bellingham who looks ready to grab hold of this tournament and make it his own. “He writes his own scripts,” said Southgate afterwards.

This was only the first chapter, but it was special.

Serbia vs England team news: Trent Alexander-Arnold and Marc Guehi start Euro 2024 opener | Football News

On: June 16, 2024 By: admin

Trent Alexander-Arnold will start in midfield for England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia, with Marc Guehi partnering John Stones in defence.

England boss Gareth Southgate has named an experienced line-up for his side’s Group C game in Gelsenkirchen, with first-choice left-back Luke Shaw, who has only just returned to full fitness, the only noticeable absentee from an arguably full-strength XI.

Kieran Trippier replaces Shaw in that position while Stones has recovered from a small knock and illness to form a four-man defence along with Guehi and right-back Kyle Walker in front of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

After much of the build-up had been dominated by England’s midfield dilemma, Southgate has put his faith in Alexander-Arnold to partner Declan Rice.

Ahead of them on the right-hand side, England have been boosted by the return to full fitness of Bukayo Saka, who regains his starting place having been restricted to a 25-minute cameo in the friendly loss to Iceland last Friday.

As expected, Saka joins Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham in an exciting attacking trio behind England captain Harry Kane.

England kick off their Group C campaign at 8pm on Sunday against Serbia before taking on Denmark and Slovenia.

Want to pick your England starting XI for their Euro 2024 curtain-raiser? Use our team selector below…

England’s group stage fixtures

Sunday June 16 – Serbia vs England, Gelsenkirchen, kick-off 8pm

Thursday June 20 – Denmark vs England, Frankfurt, kick-off 5pm

Tuesday June 25 – England vs Slovenia, kick-off 8pm

England’s Euro 2024 squad in full

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).

Defenders: Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).

Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).

England starting XI vs Serbia for Euro 2024 opener: Sky Sports writers pick their Three Lions teams | Football News

On: June 10, 2024 By: admin

Gareth Southgate has a few key selection dilemmas ahead of England’s Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday.

England are without Harry Maguire at a major tournament for the first time under Southgate’s tenure, leaving the manager with a big choice to make at centre-back as to who partners John Stones, while left-back is another problem area.

Trent Alexander-Arnold is finally getting his chance at a major tournament, but will he start in midfield? Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton are also pushing for a spot there.

The attack is brimming with talent, the question is how to find the right balance with the players available. Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden have made compelling cases to start as the No 10, but don’t forget Cole Palmer.

Eberechi Eze, Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen could also provide something different for Southgate.

Here, the Sky Sports writers pick their starting XIs for Sunday’s game against Serbia at 8pm…

‘Combine Foden and Bellingham and add Gallagher’s industry for fast start’

Sky Sports’ Peter Smith:

After that woeful send-off defeat to Iceland, Gareth Southgate will be desperate to field his strongest XI on Sunday to get England’s Euros campaign off to a flying start. Given the challenge Serbia are likely to pose, this is surely it.

An opening-game win won’t be straightforward. Serbia, despite low expectations and a manager under pressure, have dangerous individuals. But Kieran Trippier has the defensive nous to limit Sergej Milinkovic-Savic as a stand-in left-back, while Conor Gallagher brings the industry to overpower a relatively weak opposition central midfield but also get back to help Kyle Walker with Serbia dangerman Dusan Tadic.

Strahinja Pavlovic, on the right of a back-three, could limit Bukayo Saka’s progress so the left channel looks likely to be England’s route to success, where Phil Foden, coming in from the wing, and Jude Bellingham, bursting forwards as a No 8, can combine in exciting fashion.

‘Time to unleash Trent in midfield’

Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:

I want to see Trent Alexander-Arnold feature prominently at the tournament and I would have him in midfield against Serbia. The fact he has been given the No 8 shirt hopefully indicates Gareth Southgate is thinking along the same lines. His vision and passing prowess can be a game-changer against group-stage rivals expected to sit deep.

The defence worries me. Not so much because of Marc Guehi, who I like alongside John Stones in Harry Maguire’s absence, but because of the left-back situation. Kieran Trippier just edges Joe Gomez but the position is an obvious weak spot as we wait for Luke Shaw’s return.

Jude Bellingham’s importance means he goes straight into my team despite the quick turnaround from the Champions League final, and that means Phil Foden moves to the left. Bukayo Saka, frequently England’s best player, is an obvious pick on the right.

‘Palmer deserves to start at No 10’

Sky Sports’ Charlotte Marsh:

Although Trent Alexander-Arnold has excelled in a more roaming role further forward, with a lack of full-backs in the England squad, he has to go where needed – and can still be effective.

Marc Guehi will be a reliable partner alongside John Stones and was one of England’s only bright sparks in a woeful performance against Iceland.

Although Cole Palmer is placed in more of a midfield role in my XI, he could conceivably start on the wing, rotating with other members of the squad. But given his superb season and Three Lions performances heading into the tournament, he deserves a starting berth.

‘Attack the best form of defence’

Sky Sports’ David Richardson:

Attack! Attack! Attack, attack, attack! Gareth Southgate is overloaded with forward options so now’s the time to use them.

England should make a statement against Serbia with a front-foot approach, unleashing both Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in midfield.

Eberechi Eze deserves to start on the left after his showing against Bosnia & Herzegovina with Anthony Gordon ready to replace him and run at tired defenders. The same applies for Cole Palmer, who must be utilised for either Bukayo Saka or Foden to boost goal difference. Substitutes need to be made early enough for them to have an impact.

Kyle Walker can tuck into midfield alongside Declan Rice to keep the opposition penned in and nullified on the counter-attack, allowing Kieran Trippier to ease in at left-back.

It’s time for England, with their patched-up defence, to score not one but three more than you!

‘Gomez & Wharton to start, with Rice pushed further forward’

Sky Sports’ Richard Morgan:

In essence, England’s starting XI to face Serbia comes down to three positions: centre-back, No 6 and the right-sided forward – with the remaining eight players certain of their places.

I have gone for the experience, reliability and pace of Joe Gomez to partner John Stones at the heart of England’s back line, while the now fit Bukayo Saka just manages to hold off Cole Palmer’s challenge to take his place in their three-man forward line.

However, in order to have Declan Rice nearer the opposition goal as a No 8, where we often saw him excel with Arsenal last season, I’ve drafted in Adam Wharton, 20, to make his first competitive start for his country as a holding midfield player, helping to put out Serbia fires in front of the defence.

‘England will benefit from giving Bellingham extra rest’

Sky Sports’ Ben Grounds:

I expect England to finish group winners. With that in mind, I would give Jude Bellingham an extended break following a long season with Real Madrid.

Gareth Southgate has shown he can be ruthless but he is also sensitive towards young players with mounting expectations on their shoulders. It would not come as a shock to me to see Bellingham benched.

He has looked exhausted over the past month and didn’t perform in either leg of the Champions League semi-final or indeed at Wembley against Borussia Dortmund.

Cole Palmer is perfect for this early test in the No 10 role to allow Bellingham time to return to his best.

Marc Guehi gets the nod at centre-back alongside John Stones and it is a partnership that Southgate will hope sticks throughout the tournament.

Harry Maguire’s absence will have sparked uncertainty in the camp over who partners Stones, but the sooner the back four is established the better for England’s chances.

‘Steady Konsa should partner Stones in defence’

Sky Sports’ Zinny Boswell:

The big decision here was who to partner John Stones and Ezri Konsa gets my vote. His steady and consistent performances in a team that builds from the back make him the best fit.

Kieran Trippier is in at left-back only by dint of Luke Shaw’s injury. His late season form is a worry, but if he can return to his best, this is a solid back four.

Trent Alexander-Arnold has shown he simply has to be in this team and a midfield trio of himself, Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham looks terrifying on paper. It’s a risk as this is untested, but England need his creativity to break teams down in the group stage.

The front four takes little explaining: Bellingham must play further forward, and we can’t fall into the same old trap of shoehorning our best players in at the risk of losing balance.

If any of those three behind Harry Kane are underperforming, Cole Palmer is hot on their heels. I wouldn’t put it past him to displace either Phil Foden or Bukayo Saka in this tournament.

‘Mainoo has proved he can handle the big occasions’

Sky Sports’ Dan Sansom:

With Harry Maguire unavailable, Marc Guehi is the best option to partner John Stones in defence. Guehi is used to playing on the left-hand side for Crystal Palace and although he lacks experience in international tournaments, he already has 11 caps to his name since making his debut two years ago. He deserves to take the next step.

Kieran Trippier is a straightforward replacement for injured left-back Luke Shaw, while Kobbie Mainoo should start alongside Declan Rice in midfield. The 19-year-old has been fast-tracked into the senior set-up but his performances against Brazil and Belgium in March and a player-of-the-match display for Manchester United in the FA Cup final prove he can handle the big occasions.

In attack, Phil Foden is more effective in a central position but that place is taken by Jude Bellingham. Both players must start so Foden will begin on the left, where he can still have a devastating impact as long as he’s given the freedom to drift inside.

‘Trent to start alongside Rice’

Sky Sports’ Sam Blitz:

There aren’t too many issues with the England back five. Marc Guehi’s recent England displays have shown he is more than capable in that position, while Kieran Trippier played the first game at Euro 2020 at left-back so it is not exactly foreign for him.

As for who plays alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham in central midfield, Trent Alexander-Arnold should take the role. What Rice and Bellingham bring is energy in midfield through running, while Alexander-Arnold is the pass master.

The Liverpool man’s ball-playing range could be crucial to the Three Lions being more unpredictable while trying to break down low-block teams in the group stage.

Have a go yourself here!

Pick your England starting XI to face Serbia at Euro 2024 | Football News

On: June 10, 2024 By: admin

Gareth Southgate has named his final 26-player England squad for Euro 2024 – but who will start in the Three Lions’ tournament opener against Serbia on Sunday June 16? Pick your England starting XI to face Serbia in Gelsenkirchen using our interactive team selector