With the final England squad for Euro 2024 announced, Gareth Southgate must now decide who makes the starting XI – and Jeff Stelling has had his say.
England’s Euro 2024 campaign gets underway on Sunday night as they face Serbia at 8pm in Arena AufSchalke.
The Three Lions head into the competition as favourites, as they look to avenge their loss to Italy in the final of the previous Euros.
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But ahead of the crucial opening fixture, Gareth Southgate faces a tough decision over who should start the match, leading to significant debate amongst English fans and pundits.
Players such as Phil Foden, who won the Premier League Player of the Season, and Bukayo Saka, who enjoyed his highest-scoring season excelled in the 2023/24 campaign, are expected to start.
Yet, popular pundit Jeff Stelling left both men out of his lineup for Sunday’s fixture against Serbia.
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Speaking on talkSPORT Breakfast, Stelling said: “My front three is going to be a bit controversial. “I’m going to pick [Cole] Palmer just ahead of Bukayo Saka.
"Saka’s had a bit of a knock, not quite back up to 100 per cent, I think Palmer showed enough against Iceland.
“Palmer, [Harry] Kane and Anthony Gordon, who I thought was our biggest threat for most part of the night.
“He has been in brilliant form, and everyone’s going to batter me because there is no Phil Foden there.
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“But Foden, four goals in 34 games for England. I think Gareth Southgate and his staff are scratching their heads as to how to get the best out of Phil Foden for England.”
At centre-back, the former Soccer Saturday presenter opted for Marc Guehi and Lewis Dunk in favour of John Stones, who many deem undroppable in Southgate’s side.
“Serbia are the biggest team in the tournament, the tallest team in the tournament,” Stelling added.
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“They are going to be physical, they are going to be aggressive.
“John Stones has picked up a knock, he’s not physical, he’s not aggressive, so I’ve put Lewis Dunk in there.”
With several controversial picks throughout the team, fans have taken to social media to give their thoughts.
“There is no universe where Gordon should start over Foden,” said one fan on X.
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Another added: “That CB pairing will lose us this tournament. Defence is shocking.”
However, not all fans disagreed with the pundit’s picks, with one saying: “At last someone without the overrated Saka. Nice one Jeff.”
Topics: Bukayo Saka, England, Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate, Jeff Stelling, Phil Foden, Fan Reactions
Ben McCrum