da bwin： Fitness doubts over the Arsenal winger mean the ultra-confident Chelsea forward should be allowed to continue his incredible run of form on Sunday
da fazobetai： The wait is almost over. Just under three years after agonisingly missing out on European Championship glory to Italy on penalties at Wembley, and 18 months after falling to France in the quarter-finals of the World Cup, England are back at a major tournament.
Injuries to key personnel and the shock defeat to Iceland in their final warm-up game have tempered expectations somewhat, although the Three Lions are still among the favourites to win Euro 2024, boasting a squad overflowing with attacking talent.
But how should England line up for their opener in Group C against Serbia? GOAL picks the players who should be giving Gareth Southgate's side lift-off in Gelsenkirchen…
GettyGK: Jordan Pickford
There are no doubts about this one. Pickford has been England's No.1 since Southgate took charge after usurping Joe Hart, and no one has come close to challenging him for the position. The Everton goalkeeper goes into the tournament in top form after keeping 13 clean sheets, finishing joint-second in the Premier League Golden Glove along with Ederson and behind David Raya.
That says a lot about his importance given Ederson and Raya's sides finished first and second, respectively, but the Toffees came 15th. That Everton avoided relegation while having eight points deducted speaks highly of their defensive record, and Pickford was a huge part of that.
His fellow England goalkeepers, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson, were second-choice for their clubs this season, with Raya usurping Ramsdale at Arsenal and Henderson only getting the nod at Crystal Palace after Sam Johnstone's season-ending injury. And Ramsdale did not cover himself in glory against Iceland, either.
AdvertisementGetty RB: Kyle Walker
Walker has faced lots of competition for the right-back berth in the form of Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James and Ben White, but has seen them all off and remains the indisputable first choice. Walker is still the fastest right-back in the business, with his exceptional recovery speed being his strong point.
He is not encouraged to attack much for Manchester City or England, and that is unlikely to change in Germany. With the wealth of attacking options in front of him, he does not need to. Best to keep focusing on defending his flank and sweeping up through-balls, which is what he does best.
(C)Getty ImagesCB: Lewis Dunk
Normally John Stones would be first-choice, but he is an injury risk after hurting his ankle against Iceland and then being unable to train last Wednesday due to illness. Given his frequent injury problems this season, which limited him to making 12 Premier League starts, the last thing England need is to start the tournament with another setback.
Therefore, it would be advisable to give Dunk his senior tournament bow against Serbia and make sure Stones is ready for the bigger test against Denmark on Thursday. Dunk did have shaky displays against Brazil and Belgium in March, but has been in strong form for Brighton, and he is the best option to mark Aleksandar Mitrovic, unquestionably Serbia's greatest threat.
Getty CB: Marc Guehi
Crystal Palace centre-back Guehi will be one of the most coveted defenders in the Premier League over the summer. An Under-17 World Cup winner alongside Phil Foden, Jadon Sancho and Conor Gallagher in 2019, he has been an England regular since 2022, albeit not usually starting the biggest games.
He is in excellent form going into the tournament after helping Palace finish the season sensationally. He is ball secure and can calmly dribble or pass his way out of pressure, while showing excellent anticipation. In the absence of Harry Maguire and the injury doubts over Stones, he is England's most experienced centre-back.