Huge threat for the Blues!

What if it was for this year? Weaned from the title since 1966, England is moving forward with immense confidence for Euro 2024. The proof, Paul Merson, the former Arsenal and Aston Villa midfielder, makes the Three Lions the big favorites of the competition.

“I don’t see how England could not win this Euro, said the Sky Sports consultant this week. I would be shocked. I don’t want to put pressure on Gareth Southgate, but I think it would be a failure if we don’t win. I don’t see who can compete with us. France probably only has two players who could start with us. »

Which French people in the English eleven?

On closer inspection, it is difficult to agree with Paul Merson. In attack, the Saka-Bellingham-Foden-Kane quartet is in resplendent form, but it is difficult to see how Kylian Mbappé could not have his place, and a good coach would undoubtedly check off Antoine Griezmann’s name quickly enough to join this eleven .

In midfield, Declan Rice is a sure bet, and it is perhaps Trent Alexander-Arnold who will accompany him this summer. Do the Blues have better in stock with Tchouaméni, Camavinga and Rabiot? This is up for debate, and we can ultimately give the benefit of the doubt to Paul Merson.

In defense, Kyle Walker is perhaps the best right back on the planet, and this is the position where Didier Deschamps has the least certainty. On the other hand, it is difficult for Harry Maguire to keep his place against Ibrahima Konaté or William Saliba, better than him this season in the Premier League. As for Luke Shaw and Jordan Pickford, it would never occur to a coach to prefer them to Theo Hernandez and Mike Maignan.

England’s eleven: Pickford – Walker, Stones, Maguire, Shaw – Alexander-Arnold, Rice – Saka, Bellingham, Foden – Kane.
France’s eleven: Maignan – Koundé, Konaté, Saliba (or Upamecano), T. Hernandez – Rabiot, Tchouaméni, Griezmann – Dembélé, Giroud, Mbappé.