England has released its squad numbers for Euro 2024 – and under-fire boss Gareth Southgate dropped a strong hint over his starting line-up for the opener against Serbia.
The Three Lions jet off to Germany next week, and Southgate gave an indication into his thinking for the nation’s first match on Sunday, June 16.
Manager Gareth Southgate shocked fans earlier this week by axing Jack Grealish and James Maddison, while stalwart centre-back Harry Maguire was also cut as he failed to recover from a calf injury. Curtis Jones, Jarrell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Trafford also missed the cut from the 33-man provisional squad.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been handed the number 8 shirt, which suggests he may take a role in midfield alongside Declan Rice. Kieran Trippier is likely to deputise at left-back with Luke Shaw returning from a long lay-off and unlikely to make the curtain-raiser.
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Marc Guehi, handed the number 6 jersey, looks set to partner John Stones at centre back with a front four of Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Harry Kane looking likely. Cole Palmer may have to settle for a role on the bench as he was handed the number 24 shirt.
Euro 2024 Squad numbers
- Jordan Pickford
- Kyle Walker
- Luke Shaw
- Declan Rice
- John Stones
- Marc Guéhi
- Bukayo Saka
- Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Harry Kane
- Jude Bellingham
- Phil Foden
- Kieran Trippier
- Aaron Ramsdale
- Ezri Konsa
- Lewis Dunk
- Conor Gallagher
- Ivan Toney
- Anthony Gordon
- Ollie Watkins
- Jarrod Bowen
- Eberechi Eze
- Joe Gomez
- Dean Henderson
- Cole Palmer
- Adam Wharton
- Kobbie Mainoo
England’s squad will kick things off on Sunday, June 16. when they play Serbia in Gelsenkirchen. They will then face Denmark in Frankfurt the following Thursday before their last group game with Slovenia, which takes place on Tuesday, June 25 in Cologne.
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