MY ACCOUNT
England’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia could be the perfect chance for Gareth Southgate to experiment with his squad.
The Three Lions sit top of Group B after wins over biggest challengers Italy and Ukraine in March and face the international minnows on June 16 and 19.
With the clashes taking place so shortly after the domestic season concludes, a host of established players might not be available to the England boss.
Ahead of Wednesday’s squad announcement, we run through the names who could be rewarded with their first call-ups — or win back their places in Southgate’s side.
Centre-back
Centre-back is still regarded as England’s weakest area, with Manchester City’s John Stones seemingly the only sure-fire pick in Southgate’s defence.
Harry Maguire and Eric Dier’s spots are seemingly in doubt but Marc Guehi should keep his place.
Uncapped Lewis Dunk and 17-cap international Tyrone Mings have played pivotal roles in Brighton and Aston Villa’s respective pushes for European qualification.
It remains to be seen whether Arsenal defender Ben White will return after withdrawing early from the World Cup, while three-cap Fikayo Tomori continues to impress in Italy with AC Milan.
Full-back
Southgate remains stacked with options at right-back but with the qualifier against Malta taking place just six days after City’s Champions League final, Kyle Walker could be rested.
Reece James is also out with injury and the England boss has been reluctant to play Trent Alexander-Arnold in the past, which could see Aaron Wan-Bissaka finally earn his first call-up following his Manchester United renaissance under Erik ten Hag.
On the left, Ben Chilwell is another expected absentee which may free up a space for Tyrick Mitchell, while Brentford man Rico Henry has done his chances of a first England selection no harm.
City starlet Rico Lewis, 18, recently collected his first Premier League medal after playing a key role under Pep Guardiola this term and his versatility could make him an enticing wildcard option.
Midfield
England have a number of talented young midfielders pushing to break into Southgate’s engine room.
Skilful Crystal Palace creator Eberechi Eze is one of the Premier League’s most talked-about attackers and would add another exciting dimension to the Three Lions XI.
The same can be said for Morgan Gibbs-White of Nottingham Forest and Villa academy graduate Jacob Ramsey, both of whom have dazzled audiences with their all-action performances.
Striker
Ivan Toney was the striker selected to back up captain Harry Kane in March but the Brentford ace has since been hit with an eight-month ban for betting rule breaches.
That could free up a space for one or both of Callum Wilson and Ollie Watkins, with the Newcastle and Villa frontmen scoring 32 Premier League goals between them this campaign.
The prolific duo look to be ahead of Roma marksman Tammy Abraham in the queue to return to the international fold.
