England Euro 2024 squad: Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Reece James among the stars sweating on their places

• Gareth Southgate face some difficult selection decisions ahead of Euro 2024 
• Mail Sport looks at which players are likely to be included in the England squad 
• Southgate’s loyalty to his players is an issue and a weakness – It’s All Kicking Off 

As England prepare for their final Euro 2024 qualifier away to North Macedonia, manager Gareth Southgate will be contemplating which players will be involved when the real action gets underway next summer.

England have already secured their place at the finals in Germany and in some areas of the pitch Southgate has some tough selection decisions to make.

Teams were allowed to name squads consisting of 26 players at the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2020.

However, for this tournament the rules are set to revert to 23-man squads, with players such as Raheem Sterling, Mason Mount and Reece James uncertain of their involvement. 

Here, Mail Sport assesses which players will be on the plane, who will be staying at home and who will be nervous about whether they will be selected. 

England manager Gareth Southgate faces some major selection decisions ahead of Euro 2024

GOALKEEPERS

Jordan Pickford – On the plane

Heads to fourth major tournament as England’s No 1. You wonder how Everton plight might impact morale.

Aaron Ramsdale – Nervous

Risks of missing out altogether after losing Arsenal starting spot.

Sam Johnstone – On the plane

Has impressed Southgate with his form at Palace. Could well go as No 2.

Nick Pope – Nervous

May be the one to benefit if Ramsdale drops out.

Aaron Ramsdale (left) is at risk of missing out, which could be of benefit to Nick Pope (right)

CENTRE-BACKS

John Stones – On the plane

One of Europe’s most accomplished performers and key to a good tournament.

Harry Maguire – On the plane

Likely to partner Stones if he continues to play regularly at club level.

Marc Guehi – On the plane

Breathing down Maguire’s neck for a starting spot. Emerging as a key man.

Marc Guehi is emerging as a key man for England and could be set for a starting berth

Despite his ability, Fikayo Tomori isn’t guaranteed to be included in England’s Euro 2024 squad

Levi Colwill – On the plane

His ability to play centre back and left back will help his chances.

Fikayo Tomori – Nervous

A very able defender but hasn’t asserted himself at the very top level.

Lewis Dunk – Nervous

Regained his place in squad due to fine Brighton form. There may be one too many centre backs ahead of him.

Ezri Konsa – Staying home

Will need injuries to make it on the plane to Germany in the summer.

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FULL-BACKS

Kyle Walker – On the plane

Such a crucial part of the starting XI. Incredible to think he twice thought about international retirement.

Luke Shaw – On the plane

Hardly played this season due to injury but is now closing in on a return. Will start the first game if he is fit.

It seems likely that Luke Shaw will start England’s first game of Euro 2024 if he is fully fit

Kieran Trippier – On the plane

Southgate calls him his warrior. Sets standards in training and is his manager’s eyes and ears on the pitch.

Ben Chilwell – Nervous

May run Shaw close but has worries over fitness problems.

Reece James – Nervous

Another whose injury problems have cast doubt on his place. Needs a strong second half of the season.

Rico Lewis – Staying home

Will be a fixture in the England squad for the next decade and beyond but this tournament may come too early.

Reece James’ injury problems have cast doubt over whether he will be involved next summer

MIDFIELDERS

Declan Rice – On the plane

One of the first names on the team sheet. A leader who doesn’t get enough credit for ability on the ball.

Jude Bellingham – On the plane

English football’s golden boy will be the pin-up of Euro 2024. Gives the England team a star quality.

Jordan Henderson – Nervous

The vice-captain — booed again against Malta — is not helped by playing in an inferior league in Saudi.

Jordan Henderson’s hopes of inclusion are not helped by him playing in an inferior league

It seems likely that Kalvin Phillips will continue to be picked despite a lack of club playing time

Trent Alexander-Arnold – On the plane

Southgate is persisting with his transition into midfield. Signs are good but it remains to be seen if he is trusted there in tournament football.

Kalvin Phillips – On the plane

Still picked despite no game time at City. That won’t change.

Conor Gallagher – On the plane

Southgate has spoken glowingly about his attitude. His leadership role at Chelsea has improved his game.

Mason Mount – Nervous

If he plays regularly at United then he’s got a very good chance. But it’s a big if.

Mason Mount, previously a key player for Southgate, faces a battle to be involved

FORWARDS

Harry Kane – On the plane

If England go far in Germany it will be because Kane is scoring goals and playing well. England’s heartbeat.

Bukayo Saka – On the plane

Already an elite European attacker. Brilliant in attack but so committed to his defensive duties. Very popular member of the squad.

Marcus Rashford – On the plane

Struggling at United and looks grumpy, but his form for England has been excellent in the last year.

Although he is struggling for Manchester United, Marcus Rashford has impressed for England

Phil Foden – On the plane

This must be the time he makes his mark on the global stage.

Jack Grealish – On the plane

A subdued start to the season but the crowd-pleaser (below) will be crucial off the bench.

Callum Wilson – On the plane

Went to Qatar and even got on the scoresheet. Should be included if fit.

James Maddison – On the plane

As long as his recovery from an ankle injury goes to plan, he travels.

Eberechi Eze – Nervous

Brilliant player, but in an area England are blessed.

Jarrod Bowen – Nervous

Playing excellently for West Ham but again, there’s plenty of competition.

Newcastle striker Callum Wilson should be included in the England squad if he is fit

Ollie Watkins – Nervous

Brings pace to England’s attack. But can he maintain his excellent form?

Ivan Toney – Nervous

In many people’s eyes the true understudy to Kane. But will have sat eight months out due to bet ban.

Raheem Sterling – Nervous

Many have theories as to why he has missed five straight squads. If form continues, he’ll be hard to ignore.

Cole Palmer – Nervous

Will be a huge player for England one day and his cameo against Malta on Friday was promising.

Despite not being involved in recent squads, Raheem Sterling could be difficult to ignore

IT’S ALL KICKING OFF! 

It’s All Kicking Off is an exciting new podcast from Mail Sport that promises a different take on Premier League football.

It is available on MailOnline, Mail+, YouTube, Apple Music and Spotify.

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