Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham look to be guaranteed starters at this summer's tournament in Germany, but the identity of the third member of England's midfield trio is far less certain.
By SAM BROOKES, SPORTS REPORTER
Published: 11:03 BST, 13 June 2024 | Updated: 11:03 BST, 13 June 2024
It's All Kicking Off co-hosts Chris Sutton and Ian Ladyman have named who they would like to see in England's midfield at Euro 2024.
Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham look to be guaranteed starters at this summer's tournament in Germany, but the identity of the third member of England's midfield trio is far less certain.
Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo started England's final warm-up friendly against Iceland, but Trent Alexander-Arnold could come into the reckoning against Serbia on Sunday, while Gareth Southgate is a fan of Conor Gallagher.
Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton has also moved into contention after a meteoric rise that has seen him make the final 26-man squad just five months after playing Championship football with Blackburn Rovers.
Sutton believes Bellingham is capable of 'playing anywhere in midfield' which will allow Southgate to be 'flexible' with his team selections, and claims the England boss must look at how he can get Cole Palmer into his starting XI after 'carrying Chelsea this season'.
Ladyman sees things slightly differently, and despite admitting he 'doesn't get the fuss' about Gallagher, he feels the Chelsea star has a strong case to play alongside Rice in a 4-2-3-1 system this weekend.
Listen to It's All Kicking Off! on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. New episodes released every day during the Euros.
Kobbie Mainoo started England's final warm-up friendly against Iceland last Friday
Trent Alexander-Arnold is being seriously considered to partner Declan Rice in midfield
Conor Gallagher is another option and Ian Ladyman believe she has a strong case to start against Serbia
Adam Wharton is also in the mix after his meteoric rise from playing in the Championship earlier this season
Gareth Southgate has a key decision to make as he looks to find the right balance in midfield