September 22, 2026 at 04:00 PM
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Who will start for England at Euro 2028? sources's predictions

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Here we go again. Less than two months after Spain were celebrating their World Cup triumph, the next major tournament cycle begins. From 9 June 2028, the European Championship will be hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland - and the path to the finals starts now. England host Spain on Saturday in their Nations League opener and, while the competition doesn't offer a direct qualification route, it does provide a secondary route for teams who don't qualify automatically. Despite being co-hosts of Euro 2028, Thomas Tuchel's men are not guaranteed a spot in the tournament - with all hosts having to earn their place. But, assuming England will qualify for the tournament, who do you think will be in the side for the opener in the summer of 2028? We have asked some sources experts for their predictions and want you to pick your team using the selector at the bottom of the page. Phil McNulty - sources chief football writer Just a couple of changes from the World Cup. Jordan Pickford will be 34 by the time Euro 2028 starts so no problem there for goalkeeper, although James Trafford will mount a serious challenge. I would pick Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back but I am still not convinced Tuchel trusts him even though he has handed him an England recall. On that basis I have selected Tino Livramento, if he can stay fit, although I still hope Tuchel puts doubts about Alexander-Arnold out of his mind. If Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite can steer clear of injury – if – then I think Tuchel could partner him with Marc Guehi in the centre of defence, with Nico O'Reilly staying on the left. Personal preference persuades me to pick Adam Wharton ahead of Elliot Anderson – who I do rate very highly – with Declan Rice a no-brainer. Tuchel could go either way but I believe Wharton can win that fight between now and then, despite missing out on that final squad. Of course there will be claims for Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and even Morgan Gibbs-White, but Jude Bellingham ended any arguments, such as they were, about his class and place in the team with a brilliant World Cup. Where would you play them? I'm banking on Harry Kane having one more major tournament in him, even though he will be pushing 35 – and let's face it, who else is there? Bukayo Saka is another certain pick in my opinion, but I believe Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha will develop as such a rate he will be an England regular by 2028, so he gets the nod on the left. Sami Mokbel - sources senior football correspondent This is largely the same team that was viewed as England's first choice at the World Cup, apart from Morgan Rogers (although I think it will be a close call between him and Anthony Gordon). It's a team packed with players who will all be in their peak years and at the moment, it's hard to see anyone coming out of the team in the next two years. On the bench, however, England will have some fresh options with the likes of Rio Ngumoha, Alex Scott, Lewis Miley and even Max Dowman likely to be pushing for a spot in the squad. John Murray - broadcaster Radio 5 Live football correspondent Nothing radical here. But when you consider that England have reached a World Cup semi-final and a European Championship final in the past two years it does suggest that this group of players are close and there is nothing there to be ripped up. And the fact England would be playing on home soil has to increase their chances of finally getting the job done. I would not be surprised to see James Trafford and Dean Henderson given opportunities in goal but it may be that by the tournament it is still his experience that gives Jordan Pickford the edge. Maybe it would be different if the other two were playing for teams challenging for the major honours. I expect Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Ben White to be staking a claim in the full-back positions. And obviously Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, perhaps Morgan Gibbs-White and maybe by then Max Dowman will be close to the starting line-up. But I don't think the 11 I've named above would be too far away from the reality. Ian Dennis - broadcaster senior football reporter When Euro 2028 kicks off on 9 June in two years' time, England captain Harry Kane will be 34 years and 317 days old and knowing his levels of desire, he will be determined to lead England for that tournament on home soil. Barring injury then I can see him still leading the line for his country and I would also back Jordan Pickford still t

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