Sports Mole looks at when England’s Euro 2024 squad will be announced and which players are pushing for inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s selection.
Regarded as one of the favourites to conquer the continent this summer, the pressure could hardly be weighing heavier on the shoulders of Gareth Southgate‘s England ahead of their pilgrimage to Germany for Euro 2024.
The Three Lions board the plane to mainland Europe three years on from a devastating defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, since when they have experienced an all-too familiar quarter-final elimination at the 2022 World Cup.
Southgate’s side must first assert their authority over Denmark, Slovenia and Serbia in Group C before the knockout fixtures commence, and the England boss will have the luxury of naming 26 players for his squad as opposed to the former 23-strong selections.
Here, Sports Mole runs down everything you need to know about England’s squad announcement for Euro 2024, as well as how the Three Lions’ troupe is shaping up ahead of the tournament.
When will England’s Euro 2024 squad be named?
England boss Southgate is set to confirm his initial squad selection on May 21, which comes two days after the end of the Premier League season, leaving outside hopefuls with little time to impress the head coach enough to force their way in.
The Three Lions have two friendly fixtures pencilled in before Euro 2024 kicks off, as they will meet Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park on June 3, four days before hosting Iceland at Wembley on June 7.
The latter date is also the deadline for national teams to submit their official squad lists to UEFA – specifically 11pm – leaving Southgate with ample time to make some enforced alterations if any injuries arise in between his May announcement and June 7.
The final selection will then have nine days to recuperate from their final friendly fixture before opening their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on June 16, while Denmark and then Slovenia await on June 20 and 25 respectively.
How is England’s squad shaping up for Euro 2024?
While the vast majority of England’s big-hitters are fit and firing as the domestic season draws to a close, Southgate is still waiting with bated breath for positive updates on a plethora of infirm players, particularly at the back.
Problems out wide are prevalent, as luckless Chelsea pair Reece James and Ben Chilwell are both recuperating from thigh and knee problems respectively, while Manchester United’s Luke Shaw is on the way back from a thigh concern of his own.
There is hope that all three will recover in time to be on the plane – the same can be said of Newcastle United’s Kieran Trippier – but Brentford left-back Rico Henry, who may have been an outside contender, is definitely out due to his knee injury.
Aston Villa defender Tyrone Mings will also watch the tournament from home as he enters the final stages of his recovery, as might Mason Mount and Kalvin Phillips – two former cornerstones of the England setup.
Jadon Sancho and Three Lions outcast Ben White may not benefit from the expanded squad selections, but Cole Palmer, Jarrad Branthwaite, Eberechi Eze and Kobbie Mainoo are among those making a strong case for a spot on the plane.