Alan Shearer has named his England starting XI ahead of Euro 2024.
The Newcastle legend, who scored 30 goals in 63 appearances for the Three Lions, has left some significant names out of his team, especially in midfield.
England get their campaign underway on Sunday when they take on Serbia, with further games to follow in the group stages against Denmark and Slovenia.
Shearer is confident that England can make a major impact at the tournament, especially given the attacking talent that Gareth Southgate can call upon.
England are looking to win the European Championship for the first time but Gareth Southgate faces some difficult decisions in some areas of the pitch.
Alan Shearer has named his England starting XI ahead of Euro 2024 with two key omissions
There is no place for either Trent Alexander-Arnold or Kobbie Mainoo in Shearer’s England team.
Alexander-Arnold is now mainly seen as a midfielder by Southgate, while United starlet Mainoo has forced his way into the England reckoning after some excellent performances at club level.
However, Shearer feels that Phil Foden should be deployed in the number ten position ahead of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham.
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Shearer said of Foden: ‘I’m playing him just in front of Bellingham and [Declan] Rice, he has to be in that position because he affects the game so much.
‘He wants to get on the ball, he’s brilliant on the ball and he’s got better and better this season. He’s been absolutely magnificent and I really hope he plays in that 10 position rather than on the left-hand side because that’s his best position.’
Shearer added that he feels the absence of Harry Maguire, who will miss the tournament through injury, is a big blow. He also stated that Kieran Trippier should start at left-back amid concerns over Luke Shaw’s fitness.
He said: ‘Harry Maguire’s going to be a big miss, at both ends of the pitch. I would go with Guehi but it’s a big concern for England, the defence.
Luke Shaw is the only alternative to Trippier but he’s a gamble given his fitness. I would go with Trippier. He hasn’t had as good as a season as he did the previous one but with his experience I would trust him in that position.’
Shearer stated that Newcastle defender Kieran Trippier should start at left-back
Another Newcastle player, winger Anthony Gordon, also makes Shearer’s team.
Shearer praised the overall England team, stating that he is ‘super excited’, especially with regards to the attacking players.
He said: ‘I think we should be super excited about this team. The front half of that team is incredible, there’s so much talent in that team.’
Shearer selected Jordan Pickford in goal, with the back four comprised of Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guehi and Trippier.
Rice, Bellingham and Foden are in midfield behind the front three of Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Gordon.
