Gareth Southgate faces selection dilemma ahead of Euro 2024 opener

Gareth Southgate is worried about the fitness of five key England players for their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia. Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, John Stones, and Luke Shaw are all doubtful due to fitness issues. Southgate may rely on less experienced players like Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer, and Eberechi Eze. Kieran Trippier is set to start at left-back, while Palmer could replace Bellingham as the No. 10.

Gareth Southgate is reportedly concerned about the fitness of five key England players ahead of their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia. The Three Lions’ campaign begins on Sunday, just nine days after a disappointing 1-0 friendly defeat to Iceland at Wembley. Southgate surprised many by selecting a relatively inexperienced squad, leaving out big names like Jack Grealish, James Maddison, and Harry Maguire.

The Telegraph reports that Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, John Stones, and Luke Shaw are all doubtful for the Serbia match. Bellingham missed recent friendlies due to his involvement in Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph. Foden, Saka, and Stones are also struggling with fitness issues, while Shaw is expected to miss the opener. This situation may force Southgate to rely on less experienced players like Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer, and Eberechi Eze.

Kieran Trippier is set to start at left-back, while Palmer could replace Bellingham as the No. 10. The midfield may see Trent Alexander-Arnold alongside Declan Rice, showcasing his rise under Southgate’s management.A source told the Telegraph: “A lot can change, obviously, but Trent was given the No8 shirt for a reason.”