England kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen this Sunday. Gareth Southgate has some decisions to make with Luke Shaw unavailable and John Stones a fitness concern due to a sickness bug. Our Express Sport writers pick the starting XI they'd name with some calling for Phil Foden to be moved more centrally and Trent Alexander-Arnold to be used at right-back rather than in midfield...
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Charlie Gordon
(4-3-3): Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Bellingham, Rice, Foden; Saka, Kane, Gordon
Kieran Trippier should continue at left-back as Luke Shaw needs to be eased into the tournament gently. The midfield three sees Phil Foden given the most license to roam forward - he finished the season with nine goals in 10 games for Man City - Declan Rice sitting deepest, and Jude Bellingham picking up more defensive responsibilities than he does for Real Madrid to act as the link between the two. Bellingham is perfectly capable of playing the box-to-box role and this system gets the best out of an ultra-talented England midfield. Anthony Gordon's pace on the left, meanwhile, will be vital to England's attack functioning well.
Mikael McKenzie
(4-2-3-1) Pickford; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Shaw; Rice, Bellingham; Gordon, Foden, Saka; Kane
It would be criminal to waste Phil Foden out on the left flank, Gareth Southgate must play him through the middle so he can get on the ball as much as possible. That will also allow the extra pace out wide with Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka on the wings. Against lesser nations we only need one holding midfielder - Declan Rice. Jude Bellingham can play in the eight and Foden as a 10. The back four picks itself and Harry Kane is the first name on the teamsheet.
Charlie Malam
(4-2-3-1): Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Bellingham; Gordon, Foden, Saka; Kane
Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of England's best creators but it'd be nice to see him in that right-back role where he enjoys so much space for Liverpool. His long-range passing offers so many extra options. Perhaps it’s worth trying Phil Foden centrally, even though that means dropping Jude Bellingham to a slightly more defensive box-to-box role. John Stones starts if fit. If not, Joe Gomez has slightly more experience in games of this magnitude than Ezri Konsa and is capable of marshalling the backline.
Sam Smith
(4-2-3-1) Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Shaw; Gallagher, Rice; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
England need their most outstanding right-back in his best position and that man is Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool star is at his best when operating in the right-hand channel, not in a central midfield position. Gareth Southgate's one major issue comes in midfield, where Kobbie Mainoo and Declan Rice struggled in a partnership against Iceland. Conor Gallagher deserves the chance to show he can start a tournament for England after some fine form for Chelsea.
Tom Parsons
(4-2-3-1) Pickford; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Mainoo; Bellingham, Saka, Eze; Kane
Trent Alexander-Arnold needs a chance to show he can still be trusted to play for England at right-back, while Kieran Trippier is selected on the opposite flank for his leadership abilities. In midfield, Kobbie Mainoo could be a star of the tournament if he excels alongside the breathtaking Declan Rice. And Gareth Southgate should unleash Eberechi Eze from the outset to see how the Crystal Palace man handles the big stage. The manager already knows what Phil Foden can do on the left and will heavily rely on the Manchester City star as the tournament progresses.
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Archie Griggs
(4-2-3-1) Pickford; Walker, Konsa, Guehi, Trippier; Rice, Alexander-Arnold; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane
Southgate could be forced to deploy a makeshift back four with John Stones battling illness and Luke Shaw still recovering from a hamstring injury. It goes without saying that both players should start for England when fit, but Ezri Konsa and Kieran Trippier would be the strongest options if the duo are ruled out.
Trent Alexander-Arnold should also get the opportunity to put himself forward as the ideal choice to partner Declan Rice in midfield. The rest of the team picks itself, with no excuse for Southgate to deviate from full strength in attack.
Jack McEachen
(4-2-3-1) Pickford; Walker, Dunk, Guehi, Alexander-Arnold; Rice, Bellingham; Saka, Foden, Gordon; Kane
Why Gareth Southgate hasn’t trialled Trent Alexander-Arnold inverting from the left escapes me, but it could solve all of England’s problems. Kyle Walker tucking into a back three. A midfield box of Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden. Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon as wide threats. That’s a tournament-winning team.
Can Alexander-Arnold defend from left-back? It’s a question that should have been answered already. But Gordon has shown at Newcastle that he will bust a gut to help out and the inclusion allows for an incredible array of talent to be on show in these group stage matches.
