- With England going into the EURO 2024 as heavy favorites, Gareth Southgate will have to make a big choice about his midfield.
- In preparation for Euro 2024, we look at potential players that Southgate may use.
With England going into the EURO 2024 as heavy favorites, Gareth Southgate will have to make a big choice about his midfield.
Jude Bellingham, who has excelled in an advanced role for Real Madrid this season, and Declan Rice are sure to start in central midfield if they are fit. Bellingham’s offensive prowess has made it unclear who should start behind Rice because there aren’t many obvious choices for a more defensive-minded position.
In preparation for Euro 2024, we look at potential players that Southgate may use.
Ross Barkley
Ross Barkley could be selected for the EURO 2024. Photo/ BBC
One of the biggest stories of the Premier League season has been Ross Barkley’s comeback, as the midfielder has settled well at newly promoted Luton Town.
With his career at a crossroads, Barkley signed a free transfer from Nice, and in the strange setting of Kenilworth Road, he has turned around his fate. Relied upon for a more profound function, he has prospered, demonstrating self-assured leadership and initiative in his departure.
Barkley can help England burst through defenses in Euro 2024 because of his physical strength, skill on the half-turn, and ease of dribbling past opponents. The 30-year-old’s transition from an advanced playmaker to a deep-lying conductor has needed him to have greater maturity both on and off the ball. This has allowed him to find a discipline in his game that he may not have had as a young player.
Although it would be surprising if Barkley were to return to England before the summer, some may argue that not many midfield players eligible for the Three Lions have performed at such high levels this year.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Trent Alexander Arnold. |PHOTO: Eurosport|
Increasing his playing time in midfield has given Trent Alexander-Arnold, 25, a shot in the starting lineup, despite his inability to persuade Gareth Southgate that he could be England’s right-back. Southgate has looked at Alexander-Arnold in a central role after noticing his effect switching to midfield at Liverpool. The 23-cap player looked excellent in a 4-0 victory over Malta in June.
Though he may have the team’s widest passing range, Alexander-Arnold’s ability to produce in tight parts of the play against superior opponents still raises questions. He could be able to assist in breaking down defenses in the summer with Rice’s comforting presence at his side.
Kobbie Mainoo
The thrilling rise of Kobbie Mainoo, a young Manchester United player who has been playing well lately, has prompted appeals for his inclusion in the team for next month. The 18-year-old has only made 11 Premier League games, but his possession and ease in the team make him a desirable addition.
In the previous weekend’s performance against Luton, Mainoo demonstrated his confidence by gliding with the ball and remaining composed under pressure, even while more experienced players around him faltered at Kenilworth Road.
The Three Lions may need to move swiftly as Ghana is vying for the services of Mainoo, who was pushed for an England call-up this week by several people, including Ian Wright.
Although it’s important to avoid putting teenagers under too much pressure, Mainoo has already demonstrated that he can overcome setbacks. After overcoming a mistake in the December loss to West Ham, he went on to earn Player of the Month for Manchester United in January, capping an incredible run of play that featured a spectacular solo victory at Wolves.
Curtis Jones
Curtis Jones in action for Liverpool. Photo/ Football Insider.
Curtis Jones is among the several uncapped players vying for a spot in the team after establishing himself as a crucial member of Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool midfield.
The midfielder, who played for England’s winning u-21 team at the European Championship last summer, scored the fortunate game-winning goal against Spain when Cole Palmer’s free-kick deflected in off his back.
Despite not being a naturally defensive midfielder, Jones has the kind of qualities that seem to go in well with Declan Rice in a two-man pivot. He is a confident ball-winner who is ranked in the top 5% of midfielders in Europe’s top five leagues for both pass completion and progressive passes received per 90 minutes over the previous 12 months, as well as in the top 8% for progressive carries per game.
This season, Jones has the highest pass completion rate of any English midfielder in the Premier League (90.4%), and his superior ball retention might be vital in matches against top nations.
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