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Bellingham captain and 'dream' boss Pep - how England could line up at Euro 2028

talksport.com, 4 October 2023, 12:55
England now have a home major international tournament to look forward to with the UK and Ireland set to be confirmed as hosts of Euro 2028.

A five-way joint bid from the countries in the United Kingdom and Ireland is now the only bid for the competition after Turkey withdrew.

UEFA will ratify the decision next Tuesday at a ceremony in Switzerland and preparations will then get underway.

It's an exciting time for all England fans and as a look ahead to hosting the tournament, talkSPORT.com predicts how the Three Lions could line up…

Goalkeepers

In goal, Jordan Pickford's time as England No.1 will likely have come to an end as he will be 34 years old, paving the way for Aaron Ramsdale.

Ramsdale has lost his starting spot at Arsenal for now but will bounce back and is likely to remain in his country's long-term plans.

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He will have competition from Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford who starred for the Under-21s during their recent Euros success.

Defenders

As for the defence, Chelsea skipper Reece James may start ahead of Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back if he improves his injury record.

On the left, Lewis Hall is likely to progress well at Newcastle and book his place on the plane.

He is expected to have some competition for his spot though, with Tino Livramento and Ben Chilwell challenging.

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Ben White and Rico Lewis are among many alternative options.

At centre-back, Harry Maguire and John Stones will be approaching the end of their playing days, opening the door for Fikayo Tomori and Levi Colwill.

Both players are featuring in the Three Lions squad already and will likely be at the peak of their careers come 2028.

Marc Guehi will compete for a start while Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Callum Doyle are Man City youngsters who may have broken through.

Midfielders

England will have a huge amount of world-class options in midfield for Euro 2028.

Jude Bellingham is expected to go on to become Three Lions captain for the tournament and he will be anchored by Declan Rice.

Both are likely to be considered two of the best players in the world in five years' time.

They could be joined in midfield by Man United wonderkid Kobbie Mainoo while Harvey Elliott and Jason Ramsey will provide competition.

Conor Gallagher and Mason Mount may be in the squad with Cole Palmer and Emile Smith Rowe expected to also be involved.

Bellingham could even be joined by his brother Jobe, who will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his sibling over the next few years.

Forwards

Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka are likely to be the stars of the attack for England.

The pair should be two of the best players in world football come the tournament and will be a huge factor in the Three Lions' success.

Record goalscorer Harry Kane will be approaching the end of his career so a new striker will have to lead the line.

And that place could go to Tottenham youngster Jamie Donley who is currently part of England's youth setup.

Donley is starring for Spurs' U21s and if he continues his rise, may be in for a shout as his country's No.9.

Eddie Nketiah, Ollie Watkins and Liam Delap will all also be pushing for that starting spot.

Marcus Rashford may even adapt to become a striker by 2028, with so many other options out wide possibly moving him central.

England have a plethora of wide talent coming through the ranks with Noni Madueke, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Samuel Iling-Junior likely to challenge for a place.

Manager

Gareth Southgate will have moved on from his role as England manager come 2028.

He has admitted that the next Euros is expected to be his last major tournament as boss.

That means a new man will be at the helm and the FA are reportedly exploring multiple options.

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One of those is Man City boss Pep Guardiola who has been tipped as a 'dream' appointment for the Three Lions.

Eddie Howe and Graham Potter are also expected to be in the running for the job.

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