By Mark Gleeson
BERLIN (Reuters) – Penpix of England’s expected starting 11 for Sunday’s European Championship final against Spain in Berlin.
Coach Gareth Southgate has been very consistent with his selection during the tournament and the only question mark for Sunday surrounds the fitness of Kieran Trippier, who is likely to be replaced by Luke Shaw.
Jordan Pickford (goalkeeper). 30. First choice for England at a fourth successive tournament, his save from Manuel Akanji’s penalty in the shootout after the quarter-final draw against Switzerland kept his side on course for a first Euro title. He gives England a psychological boost if the final is decided on post-match spot kicks on the back of winning three of the four previous shootouts he has been involved in with the side.
Kyle Walker (defender). 34. Walker did not look convincing early in the tournament but found his form when he needed to snuff out the dangerous threat of Cody Gakpo in Wednesday’s semi-final against the Dutch. His ability and pace in one-on-one situations is going to be key in the final, up against Spain’s left winger Nico Williams, but as he celebrates his 90th cap has plenty of experience for the occasion.
Luke Shaw (defender). 29. A hamstring injury kept Shaw out of all but the last two games for England, where he came on as a substitute. His entry at the start of the second half of the semi-final on Wednesday suggests he is likely to be picked over the injured Kieran Trippier as he is the only specialist left back in the squad. Shaw, who scored England’s goal in the Euro 2020 final, will be relishing the chance to go up against ‘wunderkind’ Lamine Yamal.
John Stones (defender). 30. Concerns over Stone’s fitness after hamstring and hip injuries curtailed his appearances at club level last season have been negated by his peerless role at the heart of the England defence. He has not missed a minute, continuing to show his ball-playing skills, pace and passing accuracy and has the remarkable claim to fame of starting every England match in the last four tournaments.
Marc Guehi (defender). 23. Given he had knee surgery in February, and returned for Crystal Palace only in their final three games of the season, Guehi has had a remarkably successful tournament. He seamlessly dealt with the early pressure and was back on song against the Netherlands after being suspended for the quarter-final.
Declan Rice (midfielder). 25. Rice has been the heartbeat of the side, running almost 75km over the six matches he has played, and growing in influence with every game. There might have been times where he could have lifted the tempo a little but there is no doubt his contribution in smothering opposition attacks will be key if England are to win Sunday’s final.
Kobbie Mainoo (midfielder). 19. Mainoo’s rapid rise sees him in the Euro final nine months after starting his first league match for Manchester United. His impressive numbers in terms of passing accuracy have attracted much notice but more important for England has been the way he has slotted into the side as an alternative to Trent Alexander-Arnold and Conor Gallagher in the midfield. He has played with a confidence and maturity remarkable for his age.
Bukayo Saka (forward). 22. Sunday’s final will mark a 40th cap for Saka, who has banished the ghosts of the Euro 2020 decider, where he missed a kick in the penalty shootout loss to Italy. He showed great courage to take a kick again in the quarter-final shootout success over Switzerland, having earlier ensured England’s path back into the contest with a rasping shot to equalise at 1-1 and in the semi-final attacked with much more pace and intensity.
Jude Bellingham (forward). 21. Bellingham’s spectacular equaliser against Slovakia in the last 16 will go down as one of the best goals scored for England. He has won two man of the match awards at Euro 2024 but came close to a ban for an offensive gesture while celebrating his goal against the Slovaks. England will be hoping he still has something left in the tank after 42 matches in his first season at Real Madrid and a further 11 for his country. The way he was charging forward with the ball at his feet in the final seconds against the Netherlands suggests fitness is not an issue.
Phil Foden (forward). 24. Foden arrived in Germany as the Premier League’s player of the season but was relatively ineffective in the early games as he operated in his less-favoured wide positions. He was more involved against Switzerland and then had a fantastic game in the semi-final, hitting the post with a sumptuous curler and having another shot cleared off the line, while also starting to deliver his trademark probing passes.
Harry Kane (striker). 30. England’s all-time leading scorer, with 66, has not looked particularly sharp in Germany, even if he can still win the tournament’s top scorer award. He has three goals to his name but there have been calls for him to be benched as his overall contribution has lacked its usual clinical edge. Manager Gareth Southgate’s loyalty dictates this is not likely to happen even if he has now started to substitute him when he runs out of steam.
(Editing by Christian Radnedge)
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