Five players left sweating on England spot for Euros as Gareth Southgate left with conundrum

James Maddison is touch and go whether he'll be on the plane

James Maddison is touch and go whether he'll be on the plane

PA
Stuart Ballard

By Stuart Ballard


Published: 04/06/2024

- 08:03

Updated: 04/06/2024

- 08:21

England face off against Iceland on Friday (7.45pm BST) in their final friendly before Gareth Southgate names his 26-man Euro 2024 squad.

Gareth Southgate has just a few days to decide on his final 26-man England squad for the Euros and Monday's 3-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina would have given him some answers.

The Three Lions boss used the game to take a look at some of the fringe players in his squad who are fighting for their place on the plane to Germany.


Goals from Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Kane gave them the win, but it was a tame affair for most of the match.

Not everyone was used with some players being left on the bench with the game against Iceland potentially being used as a chance to see them in action.

That game will have more significance to some than others as they try and force Southgate's hand.

GB News takes a look at five players who may still need to prove themselves to the England boss.

James Maddison

The Tottenham midfielder is a top talent and at 27 years of age offers a good amount of experience to Southgate's youthful squad.

But he's likely up against Eberechi Eze for a seat on the plane to Germany and the Crystal Palace star took his chance well after ending the campaign strong with Crystal Palace.

It will ultimately come down to positional preference for Southgate, but Eze may just be edging it at the moment.

Adam Wharton

The 20-year-old made his England debut last night as a second-half substitute and looked comfortable in the middle of the pitch, although Bosnia did little to trouble the home side throughout the match.

He's up against Kobbie Mainoo and/ or Curtis Jones for a spot in Southgate's midfield unit though and experience may count against him.

Mainoo has already been a part of a Southgate squad before back in March while Jones has been involved with England for many years and scored the winning goal in the Under-21 Euros final last summer.

This tournament may come just too soon for Wharton, but the 2026 World Cup could well be in his sights.

Jarell Quansah

A surprise selection in the 33-man training squad to many, but definitely deserving after an impressive campaign with Liverpool.

The 21-year-old has established himself as one of England's brightest young talents in defence, but his lack of experience may be against him for the final 26-man squad for the Euros

.Much like Wharton, Quansah will have a much better chance of making the squad in two years.

Anthony Gordon may need to prove himself against Iceland

Anthony Gordon may need to prove himself against Iceland

PA

Lewis Dunk

Southgate packed his 33-man training squad with eight central defenders - far more than he actually needs for the plane to Germany.

Lewis Dunk is one of the more senior options and that's something Southgate has valued in previous tournament squads.

However, the likes of Ezri Konsa, Jarrad Branthwaite, Marc Guehi and John Stones will all be ahead of him in the queue and Dunk would be taking up a spot for someone else in the squad.

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Jarrell Quansah's lack of experience may work against him

Jarrell Quansah's lack of experience may work against him

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Anthony Gordon

One of the toughest calls for Southgate to make will be cutting down his array of attacking options.

Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer, Eze and Jack Grealish all impressed against Bosnia while Harry Kane, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka are assued of a spot on the plane.

Gordon was carrying a knock that kept him out of the matchday squad to face Bosnia and is expected to be back to play against Iceland.

The 23-year-old may need to put in a show-stopping performance to force Southgate's hand.

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