This international break certainly didn’t go as planned for Gareth Southgate. The England manager faced significant criticism after the team failed to win either of their first two matches of 2024, with a defeat to Brazil and a last-minute draw against Belgium.
These matches were the final opportunities for players to impress before Southgate names his 23-man squad for Euro 2024, and the numerous injuries suffered this month only added to his woes. Nevertheless, the competition for a spot on the plane to Germany remains fierce, with more than 25 players still with a realistic chance of making it to the plane to Germany.
Back in January, we reviewed the England squad to identify five underdogs who could be dark horses for the tournament, with the odds for some having shifted significantly since. We have refreshed and updated our view based on the performances up until end of March and provided our best bets for this interesting market.
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Euro 2024 To Be In The England Squad Best Bet
To Be In The England Squad For Euro 2024 Best Bet
Goalkeeping Strengths
Jordan Pickford remains England’s undisputed No. 1. His long-standing position and consistent performances for Everton reinforce this. Sam Johnstone and Aaron Ramsdale are likely to accompany Pickford. Despite Ramsdale losing his starting spot at Arsenal, his talent is undeniable. Nick Pope, once a strong contender, seems to have fallen out of favour due to concerns over his abilities with the ball.
Defence: A Blend of Experience and Youth
England’s defence is a blend of experienced stalwarts and emerging talents. Luke Shaw, Kieran Trippier, Levi Colwill, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Marc Guehi, and Kyle Walker make a formidable line-up. Maguire and Stones are set to continue their partnership, while Guehi’s recent performances could edge him ahead in the pecking order. The exclusion of Reece James might raise eyebrows, but his fitness concerns are a significant factor. Southgate’s emphasis on physical reliability might also see Ben Chilwell missing out, despite his talent.
Midfield Dynamics
The midfield selection is a mix of creativity and stability. Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Conor Gallagher, and Trent Alexander-Arnold present a balanced combination of youth and experience. Bellingham’s emergence as a dynamic force and Rice’s importance in Arsenal’s setup cannot be overstated. Henderson’s experience could be vital, given the youthful nature of this group. The surprising exclusion of Mason Mount and Kalvin Phillips can be attributed to their recent dips in form and lack of game time, respectively.
Forward Line: Versatility and Firepower
The attacking options for England are nothing short of exciting. Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, and James Maddison are all capable of turning games on their heads. Kane’s leadership and goal-scoring prowess are invaluable, while Toney’s potential inclusion, post his betting ban, adds an interesting dynamic. The versatility of players like Saka and Foden provides Southgate with numerous tactical options.
The Outsiders and Surprises
Every tournament brings its share of surprises, and Euro 2024 is no different. Ivan Toney and Rico Lewis could be the unexpected inclusions that add a fresh dimension to the squad. Toney’s physicality and Lewis’s versatility could be game-changers. Also, we have picked 5 outsiders that represents particular betting value at the moment. Read on to find out who they are.
In-Depth Analysis of Key Players and Roles
Goalkeepers: The Safe Hands
Pickford’s experience and Johnstone’s consistent form make them automatic choices. Ramsdale, despite his situation at Arsenal, is expected to bring his A-game, proving crucial as a backup.
Defenders: The Backbone of the Team
Shaw and Trippier provide both experience and attacking threat on the flanks. Maguire and Stones are the preferred centre-back pairing, offering solidity and aerial prowess. Guehi and Walker add depth, with the latter’s versatility being a significant asset.
Midfielders: The Engine Room
Bellingham’s rise to prominence and his ability to drive forward from midfield makes him a key player. Rice anchors the midfield with his defensive acumen. Henderson brings leadership and experience, invaluable in high-pressure situations. Alexander-Arnold, known for his creativity and set-piece ability, could be a game-changer.
Forwards: The Goal Threats
Kane’s goal-scoring record speaks for itself. He will be pivotal to England’s chances. Saka’s versatility, Foden’s control, Rashford’s pace, and Grealish’s flair make England’s attack diverse and formidable. Toney, if he hits the ground running post-ban, could provide a different dimension upfront.
Top Bets and Outsiders for England’s Euro 2024 Squad
1. Kobbie Mainoo: The Midfield Maestro in the Making
A few months back, we highlighted Mainoo as a notable selection at 11/1 to earn a place in the Euro 2024 squad. Following his compelling performances in the March fixtures, his odds have dramatically shortened to 2/7 with Bet365, making him a strong contender. The defensive midfield role has been a consistent challenge during Southgate’s tenure, thus Mainoo’s regular appearances for Manchester United significantly boost his chances of inclusion. This was a great bet in January and we hope you have gone for it at the time, but now at 2/7 the value is gone so better to look elsewhere.
2. Ezri Konsa: The Flexibility is his Asset
While Branthwaite’s odds are less than even for inclusion in the squad, Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa presents a more intriguing bet at 5/4. His ability to operate across three defensive positions makes him an invaluable asset for tournament play.
Konsa stepped in for Kyle Walker 20 minutes into the match against Brazil and completed the entire game at right-back in the encounter with Belgium. Despite right-back being arguably the most competitive position in the team, the England defence, especially the full-back slots, is riddled with injury worries. Opting for Konsa as the squad’s final central defender, with the added flexibility of him filling in at full-back, might prove to be a wiser choice over selecting Lewis Dunk or Branthwaite.
3. James Trafford – The Value is in reserve keeper race
Amidst a series of injuries plaguing the England squad, James Trafford’s ascent to the senior team symbolises a unique opportunity for the Burnley goalkeeper to stake his claim for a spot in the Euro 2024 squad. Our analysis deems his inclusion as our best bet at odds of 9/4, offering substantial value for savvy punters.
Trafford, despite being momentarily sidelined by his club manager Vincent Kompany, was swiftly called up to replace Sam Johnstone following his elbow injury. This transition from the Under-21s to the senior squad not only underscores his potential but also his readiness to step up when called upon. His elevation comes in a crucial period, with England’s goalkeeping options narrowed by injuries, and ahead of the prestigious Euro 2024 tournament.
While regaining his starting position at Burnley remains a crucial step for Trafford’s chances, his track record speaks volumes. Having been a consistent figure in Vincent Kompany’s side and playing every minute of every league game up until his recent omission, Trafford’s resilience and skillset are undeniable. His performances at the youth levels for England, culminating in 17 appearances for the U21 side, further attest to his calibre and potential to contribute to the senior team.
In light of the recent defensive injuries—highlighted by the withdrawal of key players like Harry Maguire and Kyle Walker—Trafford’s presence in the squad could provide a reassuring depth to England’s goalkeeping resources. Furthermore, with the full-back positions also compromised by injuries, the team’s defensive unit will benefit from having a reliable and capable goalkeeper as their last line of defence.
Given these dynamics, James Trafford’s prospects of joining England’s Euro 2024 campaign carry both symbolic and strategic significance. As the team navigates through these pre-tournament challenges, Trafford’s readiness and ability to step into the fray may just earn him a pivotal role in Gareth Southgate’s plans.
Conclusion: A Blend of Youth and Experience
In conclusion, these five players represent a blend of youth and experience, each bringing unique qualities to the table. Their inclusion in England’s Euro 2024 squad would provide depth, tactical flexibility, and the potential for some pleasant surprises. As Southgate finalises his squad, the performances of these players will undoubtedly be under close scrutiny, potentially shaping the future of English football on the international stage.
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