Final opportunity for England contenders to make an impact
England’s national team is gearing up for Euro 2024, and this month’s fixtures against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley will be the last chance for players to impress manager Gareth Southgate before he names his squad. With the squad size reduced to 23 players for this tournament, competition for spots will be fierce. In this article, we take a look at some of the players who will be hoping to make an impact and secure their place on the plane to Germany.
Cole Palmer: A rising star at Chelsea
One player who has been making waves this season is Chelsea’s Cole Palmer. The 21-year-old forward has been involved in 19 goals (11 goals, eight assists) in the Premier League and has drawn comparisons to Argentine Angel di Maria. Southgate was in attendance when Palmer scored and assisted in Chelsea’s win over Newcastle, showcasing his ability to perform in big games. Having already made his senior debut for England, Palmer will be hoping to continue his impressive form and secure a spot in the final squad.
Anthony Gordon: A versatile forward with potential
Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon has been catching the eye with his performances this season. The 23-year-old has scored 10 goals in all competitions and possesses both intensity and pace that could make him a valuable asset to the England squad. He was instrumental in England’s triumph at the European Under-21 Championship last summer and was named player of the tournament while playing as a central striker. Although an injury may hinder his chances, Gordon will be hoping that his performances have done enough to earn him a place in Southgate’s squad.
Joe Gomez: A versatile defender with international experience
Joe Gomez has had a challenging time with injuries, but he is now back and playing some of the best football of his career. The Liverpool player has had to fill in at multiple positions in the backline due to his club’s injury crisis, showcasing his versatility. With a reduced squad size, having a player who can cover multiple positions could be vital for England. Although he has fallen down the pecking order in recent years, Gomez will be hoping to prove his worth and secure a place in the final squad.
Jarrad Branthwaite: A rising star at Everton
Jarrad Branthwaite is another player who has been making a name for himself this season. The 19-year-old defender has been impressive for Everton, with only Manchester City, Arsenal, and Liverpool conceding fewer goals than the Toffees. Branthwaite’s athleticism and left-footedness make him a unique option, and he could be given a chance to showcase his talents in these upcoming fixtures. With Chelsea’s Levi Colwill currently injured, Branthwaite may have an opportunity to stake his claim for a place in the final squad.
Ivan Toney: A different profile up front
Ivan Toney has proven himself as a regular goalscorer since his promotion to the Premier League with Brentford. Although he received a ban for breaching FA betting rules, Toney has made a strong return and scored four goals in nine appearances for his club. His ability in the air and expertise at penalties make him a different profile to the other strikers available to Southgate. With his unique skill set, Toney will be hoping to secure his place in the squad and provide valuable contributions in tournament football.
Kobbie Mainoo: A young talent with potential
Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo has made a significant impression in his debut Premier League season. The 18-year-old holding midfielder has become a crucial player for his club, and his performances have caught the attention of Southgate. With Jordan Henderson’s spot potentially under review due to his move to Ajax, Mainoo could be in contention to fill the role. His performances in these upcoming fixtures could determine whether he secures a place in the final squad.
Ross Barkley: A seasoned international looking for a return
Ross Barkley has had previous experience at the international level and was part of England’s 2014 World Cup squad. The midfielder has been in fine form for Luton Town this season, playing the most league minutes he has managed in seven years. Barkley believes he can add something to the squad and will be hoping that his performances catch Southgate’s attention. With his quality on display for Luton, it will be interesting to see if Barkley gets a chance to prove himself once again.
Honorable mentions
Bournemouth’s Dominic Solanke has been performing well this season and is the joint second-highest English scorer in the Premier League alongside Jarrod Bowen. However, with stiff competition in the forward role, Solanke may find it challenging to break through. Curtis Jones has also been impressive for Liverpool, but injuries have hampered his chances of being selected. Bowen, with his 14 Premier League goals this season, could be a contender if Southgate opts for a more traditional number nine to support Harry Kane.
In conclusion
With Southgate set to name his squad for Euro 2024 after the upcoming fixtures against Brazil and Belgium, players have one final opportunity to make an impact and secure their place. The competition for spots will be fierce, but the players mentioned in this article will be hoping to catch Southgate’s eye and earn their spot in the squad. It remains to be seen who will make the cut, but these players will undoubtedly be giving their all to make their dreams a reality.