June 10th 2024.
As England gears up for the highly anticipated Euro 2024 tournament, all eyes are on manager Gareth Southgate and his team as they enter as one of the favorites. With a star-studded lineup and high expectations, the pressure is on for the Three Lions to bring home a win.
Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand recently shared his dream starting XI for England at Euro 2024, and it's safe to say his selections may raise a few eyebrows. As the team touched down in Germany for their first match against Serbia, Ferdinand's team selection has stirred up some excitement and speculation.
After suffering a devastating loss to Italy in the previous European Championship, Southgate's men are determined to go one step further and bring home the trophy this time around. However, their final warm-up match against Iceland ended in defeat, leading to concerns and challenges for Southgate as he navigates through selection and injury issues.
One major blow for the team is the absence of key player Harry Maguire, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to a calf injury. Another concern is the fitness of Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, who has been struggling with a groin issue and is uncertain for the opening match.
Despite these setbacks, Southgate has an impressive pool of attacking talent at his disposal, and Ferdinand is confident in England's chances. With star striker Harry Kane leading the pack, Ferdinand believes the team has what it takes to secure their first major tournament win in 58 years.
In a preview for the FIVE YouTube channel, Ferdinand shared his tactical approach, encouraging Southgate to play an attacking style of football. His lineup includes players like Newcastle's Anthony Gordon, who he believes will bring a much-needed element of pace and creativity to the team.
Ferdinand's team also features a back four when defending, with Kyle Walker, John Stones, Marc Guehi, and Luke Shaw (if fit) making up the defence. In front of them, he suggests Declan Rice as a holding midfielder, with Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham as the two attacking midfielders.
When in possession, Ferdinand's lineup shifts to a back three, with Walker, Guehi, and Shaw as the defenders, and Stones pushing up to control the game. He hopes to see Foden act as a link between the midfield and attack, while Bellingham's role is to make runs beyond Kane, who often drops back to receive the ball.
On the wings, Ferdinand opts for Saka on the right and Gordon on the left, both of whom he believes will add dynamic movement and unpredictability to the attack. He also addresses the possibility of starting Chelsea's Cole Palmer, but ultimately chooses Gordon for his ability to stretch the opposition's defence.
The former England and United centre-back also discusses the potential inclusion of Manchester United's 19-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo, stating that he believes he will play a role in the tournament but may not start initially. He also praises Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold for his impressive skills with the ball, but questions if he has enough experience playing in midfield at this level.
As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on Southgate and his team as they aim to bring home the trophy. With Ferdinand's dream lineup in mind, fans can only hope that the Three Lions will live up to their potential and make history at Euro 2024.
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