England are exactly one month away from a crucial pair of friendly fixtures: they play Brazil and Belgium in a double-header in London, in March, and these will likely be the last opportunities for fringe players to show they deserve a spot in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the European Championships.
The final two games, prior to the tournament vs. Bosnia and Iceland, in June, will be comprised of the finalised squad, with maybe just a couple of extra players involved who have to soon be cut.
If players want to be in with a chance of representing the Three Lions in Germany, they need to realistically be in the March squad, with Gareth Southgate often reluctant to change a settled group. There are a whole host of players who do not yet have much international experience who he could be considering; here we list the best who he should be giving a plane ticket to – several of which might be involved in those upcoming March friendlies and none of which have yet reached the threshold of double figures in terms of caps.
Cole Palmer, two caps
Top of the charts right now in terms of England breakthrough stars is Chelsea attacker Palmer, whose combination of creativity and composure has seen him hit double figures in Premier League goals.
Capable of playing right the way across the attacking line, he’d be a wildcard bench option for Southgate but has shown he has the mentality to play at the top and, importantly, has far greater form than the likes of positional rivals Jack Grealish or Jarrod Bowen. Takes a mean penalty too – always nice to have at a tournament!
Curtis Jones, uncapped
For years, England have cried out for a player who can keep possession relentlessly in the middle of the park. Curtis Jones is that player. Economical and excellent with the ball, strong and technically gifted to not lose it under pressure and positionally disciplined when asked to be – all that despite being a No10 in his early days.
The one question mark is an injury, which might see him miss out in March. If he’s still unfit then, he may struggle to get a chance, even playing regularly at the top of the table.
James Maddison, five caps
Where to fit Maddison in is the biggest dilemma – but as he can be an option from the left or a Jude Bellingham alternative driving forward from central areas, he’s a must-pick in the squad given his technical ability and vision in the final third.
The Spurs man doesn’t seem to have Southgate’s favour all the time but his work rate and consistency is very impressive and he’s a match-winner too. Certainly ahead of Marcus Rashford on form and impact this season, but can he edge ahead of a long-term favourite? Is there room for both?
Marc Guehi, nine caps
At the back, Guehi now looks a certainty to go if he’s fit – he has a knee injury at present but should be back soon for new Palace boss Oliver Glasner. It seems likely he’ll be playing in a back three at Crystal Palace now, but either way Guehi has proven his adaptability, consistency and quality.
England don’t have loads of top centre-back options but Guehi should be seen as one. May well be a starter at Euro 2024 if he finishes the season strongly.
Levi Colwill, one cap
It gets trickier at the back as the season goes on, but a dearth of centre-backs and Luke Shaw’s injury might mean Chelsea’s youngster Colwill sneaks in thanks to his versatility.
He’s not an outlet at left-back as such, but very calm on the ball, positionally impressive and naturally allows a ‘tilt’ to the team: if he remains central in attacking play, the right-back can push far higher and still keep cover behind.
Sam Johnstone, four caps
The second and third-choice goalkeepers might be mostly watchers-on, but Sam Johnstone sits as most deserving of a place due to being one of the few who is actually a first-choice at club level.
If he impresses Glasner enough to stay in goal ahead of Dean Henderson – himself with one England cap – then Johnstone should be on the plane, leaving Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope to fight for third.
Ollie Watkins, nine caps
The final choice comes in attack and all options to be Harry Kane’s backup have fewer than ten caps: Callum Wilson has nine but has been injured way too often; Ivan Toney has one but has missed half the season suspended. If the Brentford man does go on to rattle in another ten goals in the last 13 games then perhaps he’ll go anyway – but right now Ollie Watkins surely deserves the nod.
He has 13 goals and 10 assists for Aston Villa in the league, has ridiculous work rate, great speed, selfless approach play – he’s a different type of striker to Kane, but an extremely effective one. Watkins should be in the squad and could prove invaluable at Euro 2024.
(Image from IMAGO)
You can follow every game England game – with xG, deep stats, and players ratings on FotMob. Download the free app here.