Gareth Southgate has an entirely fit squad to choose from ahead of England’s opening Euro 2024 match against Serbia.
The Three Lions begin their European Championship campaign in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, hoping to go one better than three years ago when they lost on home soil in the final against Italy.
Before England can harbour realistic ambitions of winning its first major trophy since 1966, they must first safely navigate a group that also contains Denmark and Slovenia.
Southgate’s hopes of making a fast start to the tournament have been boosted by the return to full fitness of Bukayo who is set to regain his starting place, according to The Sun, having been restricted to a 25-minute cameo in the recent friendly defeat against Iceland.
Trent Alexnader-Arnold is set to partner Declan Rice at the base of England’s midfield while Marc Guehi will partner John Stones at the heart of the defence, but Luke Shaw is not yet ready to start and isn’t guaranteed to make the bench.
Southgate, meanwhile. believes the ‘innocence’ of youth can help England in their quest to become kings of Europe..
The England manager named a bold 26-man selection for this summer’s shot at glory in Germany, where 12 of Southgate’s players are heading to a first major tournament.
How will England line-up against Serbia?
But the national team boss believes such inexperience can be a help rather than a hinderance, especially given such players complement an experienced core.
‘We have got a balance of players who have been some really big nights together and others who have a rawness, an energy and an excitement about them of being in their first tournament,’ Southgate said.
‘Both things I think are adding to the group. In Russia we were one of the youngest teams, one of the least experienced teams, so I don’t think it is essential that you have experience throughout.
‘And equally we have enough players who have played on the big nights, either with us or their clubs, and they are able to deliver in those moments. That of course at times can be helpful.
‘Innocence is a bonus, there are lots of players. When I went into Euro ’96 despite the end I had a good tournament, and I only went in with three or four caps. So, I think there is opportunity for people to make a name for themselves.
“This is a moment in time for them and we have picked some players who are in good form and showing that on the training pitch and they can add to what we are doing.’
Such is the youth in the squad that Southgate has decided to name 20-year-old Jude Bellingham in his four-man leadership group to ensure all voices in his young squad are heard.
England’s Euro 2024 fixtures
Serbia vs England
Sunday, June 16, 8pm BST (Gelsenkirchen)
Denmark vs England
Thursday, June 20, 5pm BST (Frankfurt)
England vs Slovenia
Tuesday, June 25, 8pm BST (Cologne)
Up-and-coming talents and the experience of reaching at least the quarter-final of all three major tournaments under Southgate has helped build an inherent belief that England can win this summer.
‘I don’t think there is any question that there is strong belief in the group,” he said ahead of the opener in Gelsenkirchen.
‘Equally, I said to them last night when we had a meeting about tournaments and lessons we can take from the past, that there are things we should discard from the past.
‘To have the experiences we’ve had are really, really important and irrelevant in equal measure. We have to go and play and get it right tomorrow.’
