England kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on June 16. The Group C fixture takes place in the Arena AufSchalke, which is, unsurprisingly, the home ground of Schalke 04. This is our England predicted lineup.
England Predicted Lineup in Euro 2024 Opener Vs Serbia
How England Have Lined-up Recently
Jordan Pickford is the nailed-on starting goalkeeper at major tournaments. John Stones will seemingly start at centre-back, though the rest of the defence is less definite. Marc Guehi should pair Stones with Lewis Dunk likely not fit, and Luke Shaw is expected at left-back, though injury, may lead to Kieran Trippier. At right-back we expect Kyle Walker to start though Trent Alexander-Arnold is in contention.
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In the double pivot, Declan Rice is a shoo-in. He could be paired with Alexander-Arnold, Adam Wharton, Kobbie Mainoo, or Conor Gallagher.
Jude Bellingham has been on a break after winning the Champions League but will return in the ten role. Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and Cole Palmer will compete for a start on the wings whilst captain Harry Kane is the striker.
England’s Recent Form
England’s two warm-up games for Euro 2024 were against Bosnia and Bosnia Herzegovina, and Iceland.
Playing against Bosnia, England got the job done winning 3-0 – though it wasn’t an outstanding performance.
The real concerns came in a 1-0 loss to Iceland, with fans having flashbacks to the 2016 tournament. Gareth Southgate’steam were caught in the transition multiple times: Jon Thorsteinsson opened the scoring on the break in the 12th minute and in the 63rd missed a tap-in.
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In attack, there was not a lack of chances for the Three Lions despite Iceland’s clean sheet. Kane missed an open goal after a beautiful cross from Palmer in the first half. After the break, Palmer had a one-on-one which he failed to successfully take around the goalkeeper, and both Foden and Alexander-Arnold narrowly missed the post.
In Germany, however, chances like these will not come in abundance; England needs to perfect their finishing before the knock-out stages.
England Injuries to Consider
Stones was absent from training on June 12 with illness, sending panic through the minds of every England fan. To the relief of England fans, Stones has seemingly recovered from illness and was seen training alongside Shaw.
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Saka missed the Premier League season finale and England’s first warm-up game, but played 25 minutes against Iceland and should be fit to start against Serbia.
Shaw has been out since February, but rejoined full team training on June 11 and looks to potentially start. This will be a “huge boost“ to the squad.
England Predicted Lineup – 4-2-3-1
GK: Jordan Pickford
LB: Luke Shaw
CB: Marc Guehi
CB: John Stones
RB: Kyle Walker
DM/CM: Declan Rice
CM: Trent Alexander-Arnold
LW: Phil Foden
AM: Jude Bellingham
RW: Bukayo Saka
ST: Harry Kane
