Writers Choice England Euro 2024 Starting 11's

Today we are looking at the Writers Choice England 11 to start at Euro 2024! We would love to know who’s 11 you like the most.

Francis’ 11:

5-2-3

Pickford

James, Stones, Tomori, Maguire, Chilwell

Rice, Bellingham

Saka, Kane, Rashford

There's still plenty of question marks regarding certain positions on the England team, but some players are dead certain to start and hopefully shine in the Euro 2024 Finals. Jude Bellingham will be the first name on England's teamsheet for at least another decade, regardless of where he plays his club football. His dynamism, skill, threat going forward and defensive energy already place him amongst the world's best midfielders. Harry Kane will remain as captain, as the so-called 'one season wonder' will no doubt continue his goalscoring feats for another year - as long as he remains injury-free. Declan Rice is another whose club future is uncertain at the moment, but his partnership with Bellingham is as exciting for England fans as it is powerful.

The defence contains the least confident picks. I have opted for a five/three at the back setup, to get the best out of Reece James and Ben Chilwell going forward. John Stones will be a solid choice, but I have elected for an international newcomer in Fikayo Tomori, who continues to impress at Milan despite lack of gametime under Gareth Southgate for England. By this time next year, we may be talking about one of the brightest young England talents at centre-back. Harry Maguire completes my lineup - he'll be 31 years old during the tournament, and is already one of the most capped players in the current squad. If he gets a move away from Manchester United to build some form and match minutes, his experience will be invaluable. Like goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, Maguire has rarely let England down in the big moments, and carries a goalscoring threat from set pieces that England need more of.

Pickford stays in my team, as I cannot see Ramsdale, Pope or Johnstone making enough of an impression in the qualifying campaign to squeeze in. The final choices go to Bukayo Saka and Marcus Rashford, two of the Premier League's highest performing wingers this season, and both crucial elements of their teams as they look to improve on decent campaigns this year. They will both be approaching their primes by Euro 2024 and could be the players to take England to glory.

Unlucky to miss out/useful from the bench: Phil Foden, Marc Guehi, Jack Grealish, Ivan Toney

Scarlett’s 11:

4-3-3

Ramsdale

James, Stones, Tomori, Chilwell

Rice, Bellingham, Foden

Rashford, Kane, Saka

Although it would be a surprise to see Southgate alter his starting goalkeeper it cannot be denied that Aaron Ramsdale has continued to impress between the sticks for Arsenal. Pickford’s form in an Everton shirt is shaky, which is not necessarily a fair reflection on him given the team is in a relegation battle, but his authoritative nature is key, and he does step up in an England shirt. Whilst I would like to see a little bit of variation as opposed to sticking to the same rigid set-up I would not be displeased if Pickford did keep the number one spot.

The back four sees a fresh face alongside some defenders who have not always started in the backline for the Three Lions. Walker is set to be 34 by the tournament rolls around and whilst he did hold in own against Kylian Mbappe in the quarter-final against France, Reece James has proven to be a reputable, strong replacement for the Manchester City right back. Similarly, Shaw has not done anything wrong in an England shirt however I believe Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell can offer something different going forward which is key to feeding our talented front three. The centre-back pairing sees Maguire lose his place. The Manchester United defender has had a rollercoaster time for club and country and his performances on the international stage have been impressive at times. Additionally, Southgate seems to have a lot of trust in the player so I do believe he will be one of the first names on the team sheet. However, AC Milan’s Tomori has excelled in Serie A and the young defender could provide a bright alternative to Maguire. Alongside him, I have chosen John Stones who is often Maguire’s partner at the back and he has had a great season for Manchester City and his recent minutes in an England shirt have also been great.

Moving into the midfield, I stuck with two heavily trusted options in Rice and Bellingham. It seems that the more minutes they play the better they get so they are a must-have in the middle. Choosing between a 5-2-3 or 4-3-3 formation was difficult but I opted for the latter as England has so much attacking talent that is wasted due to the defensive set-up. Foden is an exciting, young talent who has played in a midfield role previously under Pep Guardiola. His presence on the pitch, alongside Bellingham, will provide plenty of opportunities for the attacking trio up top. The Manchester City star has also stated that he is targeting a midfield role in the next few years so perhaps this is a role we will see him fully shine in at future tournaments.

Lastly, the front three is what most England fans are expecting. England Captain and leading goal-scorer Harry Kane leads the line with Rashford on his right and Saka on the left. The two wingers have performed exceptionally well for their respective clubs and provide plenty of attacking threat. The three forwards have become staples in Southgate’s side and anyone will have an incredibly challenging task taking their places.

Hannah’s 11:

4-3-3

Ramsdale

James, Stones, Tomori, Chillwell

Rice, Bellingham, Grealish

Rashford, Kane, Saka

Aaron Ramsdale has had a stellar season with Arsenal and whilst it might seem harsh to drop Pickford who has not put many a foot wrong in an England shirt, it seems absurd for Ramsdale to not be given an opportunity in the number 1 shirt.

The defence I feel speaks for itself, whilst Kieran Trippier has had a decent season for Newcastle he will be 33 by the time the Euros roll around and that alone is the only reason he didn't quite make the cut for my squad. If all four of the above players are fit for me it is the only combination that makes sense, providing both youth and experience in that back line.

Midfield is a difficult one to call however I feel, as I wrote in my previous article that both Bellingham and Rice are must-starters for England. I have also included Jack Grealish as I feel he really thrives in that number 10 position where he has the ability to float across the back of the forward line, and with him also having a much improved season for Manchester City, he should make the cut for me.

Finally, my chosen forward line, a group of players who I feel pick themselves these days, captain Harry Kane is always going to be the first name on the team sheet, and playing next to Saka and Rashford I feel these three together could be prolific in front of goal for England.

James’ 11:

4-2-3-1

Pickford

James, Stones, Maguire, Shaw

Bellingham, Rice

Grealish, Rashford, Saka

Kane

Pickford has great tournament experience and so it’s hard to immediately put Ramsdale as my number 1, despite impressing. Both Pickford and Ramsdale share common ground in their ability to pull of man of the match displays yet moments of madness. However there is a whole season to play before Euro 2024 and I wouldn’t be too surprised if Ramsdale managed to work his way into the #1 spot, but Southgate usually likes to keep a consistent line up.

Defensively Reece James when fit is a no-brainer at right back, the same with Stones at center back and Luke Shaw at left back. Harry Maguire is a question mark as my last center back choice, however his poor club performances don’t often show up at international level, and whilst there’s lots of noise for Tomori to begin starting for England at major tournaments, I can’t quite see Southgate doing this, and if he is to start at Euro 2024 I’d like to see him consistently start for England at the back in qualifiers and friendlies. He certainly does have a case to start, but it’s hard to overlook Maguire’s England form and his experience at national level.

Central midfield sees Declan Rice partner with Bellingham. These are two non-negotiables for me in midfield. My formation favours an attacking mentality, with Grealish, Rashford and Saka starting. Southgate often likes to play a third midfield player in central areas to consolidate us when out of possession, but just like Pep sets up at Man City, I see attack as the best form of defence. Rice and Bellingham are not shy of carrying the ball into attacking areas to feed wide players and forwards who are dangerous in behind and on the flanks. At the World Cup I would have liked to see more of Foden but for various reasons he has had a quiet season, and Grealish has stepped up, meaning he gets the starting spot. I also am a big fan of James Maddison but he just lacks that top level European experience that the other forwards have.

Up front is Harry Kane, the easiest player to pick. Not only is he a great goal scorer, he’s arguably as good a playmaker as any England player and one of the most intelligent players. In form strikers such as Toney or Wilson will have to make an impact from the bench.

So there we have it! Our writers choice starting 11’s for Euro 2024. We’d love to know what you agree with and disagree with. Please leave your opinions below!