Euro 2024: The Outside Bets For England’s Euros Squad

England manager Gareth Southgate will soon be tasked with selecting the 23 players he believes can lead his side to Euro 2024 glory in Germany.

The Three Lions are joint-favorites to win the Euros with UK bookmakers unable to split England and World Cup runners-up, France, in the outright betting.

Southgate has some difficult decisions to make, especially with UEFA reverting to the pre-Covid 23 player limit for major international tournaments. The England boss certainly has his favourites, but there are several exciting youngsters and a blast from the past who are building a strong case to also be included on the plane.

Here are the outside bets for England’s Euros squad:

Kobbie Mainoo

The ease at which Mainoo has taken to playing in the Premier League – and for one of the biggest club sides in world football – has made many, including Southgate, sit up and take note. The 18-year-old is showing maturity beyond his years at the heart of Man United’s midfield and has become an integral player for Erik ten Haag in a short space of time. Mainoo’s composure on the ball and all-round game has earned him praise from all quarters, including Southgate himself, and many experts view Mainoo as the perfect player to complement Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice in England’s three-man midfield. The emergence of the uncapped Mainoo could come at the perfect time for Southgate with squad regulars Kalvin Phillips and Jordan Henderson both struggling for form and fitness this season.

Anthony Gordon

The 22-year-old has been one of Newcastle’s star performers this season and is beginning to justify the £45 million price tag the Magpies paid Everton in the 2023 winter transfer window. Gordon’s pace and trickery have seen him register goals against Man City, Arsenal and Man United, proving his ability to make an impact in the biggest games. Also eligible to play for Scotland, Gordon starred for the England Under-21s in the summer of 2023 as England won the Under-21 Championship and was deservedly named Player of the Tournament. The fact he has yet to earn an international call-up suggests Euro 2024 may come too soon for the Newcastle winger. But the recent exclusion of Raheem Sterling and the mixed form of Marcus Rashford means he’s in the conversation.

Rico Lewis

For a 19-year-old to have already earned the trust of Pep Guardiola speaks volumes of Lewis, who earned his first senior cap in England’s final Euro 2024 qualifier against North Macedonia in late 2023. Lewis has been capped at every youth level for England from the age of sixteen and played his part in Man City’s treble-winning season last year. Lewis’s versatility may yet prove decisive in earning a seat on the plane to Germany; Southgate is known to favour players who can play in a variety of positions with Lewis comfortable at left back, right back and in a defensive midfield role. Questions marks over the fitness of Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell, usually the first and second choice at left-back, also make Lewis a strong contender.

Cole Palmer

Lewis’ ex-Man City teammate, Cole Palmer, also earned his first senior call-up and caps in 2023, vindicating his decision to make the move from City to Chelsea last summer in search of regular first-team football. Cole has excelled at Stamford Bridge, leading the line expertly for Mauricio Pochettino’s side with his ability to dribble and finish, as well as create for his teammates, resulting in a strong return in terms of goals and assists. The Chelsea forward has also shown tremendous composure from the penalty spot, even converting from twelve years in stoppage to earn Chelsea a point against his former employers, Man City, in one of the games of the season at Stamford Bridge. The tried and tested options Southgate has to choose from going in attacking areas will likely see Cole crowded out this time around but there’s no question he is destined for a long international career.

Ross Barkley

Probably the most unlikely name on the list of hopefuls is Luton midfielder, Barkey. However, the fact he is even being talked about is a testament to how the former Chelsea man has resurrected his career at Kenilworth Road. At 30, Barkley doesn’t have his age on his side and the fact his last England appearance came in 2019, probably means his chances are more limited than most. Adding to his 33 caps this summer seems unlikely, barring an injury crisis. However, Southgate has selected him before and is aware of the qualities Barkley possesses when it comes to his strength, close ball control and ability to regain and retain possession in the middle of midfield.