BBC experts predict England's Euro 2028 starting XI

Four BBC Sport writers pick their England lineups for the tournament hosted on home soil in two years.

Sep 22, 2026

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BBC experts predict England's Euro 2028 starting XI

Four BBC Sport writers pick their England lineups for the tournament hosted on home soil in two years.

In brief

Four BBC Sport writers pick their England lineups for the tournament hosted on home soil in two years. England's core squad from recent tournaments will likely remain, with young talents like Rio Ngumoha and Max Dowman pushing for spots. Originally reported by BBC Sport.

Euro 2028 starts in two years

England will co-host the European Championship from June 9, 2028, alongside Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland. Despite being hosts, England must still earn their place in the tournament.

Pickford likely to remain in goal

Jordan Pickford will be 34 at Euro 2028 but BBC experts expect him to remain England's number one. James Trafford is seen as a serious challenger for the position.

Right-back remains uncertain

Right-back remains uncertain

Trent Alexander-Arnold could start, but experts question whether Tuchel fully trusts him. Tino Livramento and Archie Gray are alternatives being considered.

Branthwaite and Guehi in defence

Jarrad Branthwaite could partner Marc Guehi in central defence if he stays healthy. Levi Colwill is another option, with Nico O'Reilly expected at left-back.

Rice and Wharton in midfield

Declan Rice is a certain starter in midfield. Adam Wharton is favoured over Elliot Anderson for the other central midfield spot, though both are highly rated.

Bellingham's class is settled

Bellingham's class is settled

Jude Bellingham's brilliant World Cup performance ended any debate about his place in the team. He will be a key player for England at Euro 2028.

“Jude Bellingham ended any arguments, such as they were, about his class and place in the team with a brilliant World Cup.”

Kane likely for one more tournament

Harry Kane will be 34 or 35 at Euro 2028, but BBC experts believe he will have one more major tournament in him. No obvious replacement has emerged.

“I'm banking on Harry Kane having one more major tournament in him, even though he will be pushing 35, and let's face it, who else is there?”

Saka certain on the right wing

Bukayo Saka is considered a certain pick for the right wing position. His consistency and quality make him a guaranteed starter.

Ngumoha emerging on the left

Ngumoha emerging on the left

Rio Ngumoha is expected to develop rapidly and become an England regular by 2028. BBC experts predict he will start on the left wing ahead of other options.

“I believe Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha will develop as such a rate he will be an England regular by 2028, so he gets the nod on the left.”

Young talents pushing for squad spots

Max Dowman, Lewis Miley, and Alex Scott are among young players expected to push for squad inclusion. Dowman could challenge Saka by 2028.

Home advantage could be decisive

Playing at home in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland could increase England's chances of winning the tournament. The squad is close and in their peak years.

Palmer, Rogers, and others waiting

Phil McNulty's England team for Euro 2028

Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, and Morgan Gibbs-White are among players who could challenge for starting spots. Their inclusion depends on form and Tuchel's tactical choices.

The key point

England's core squad from recent tournaments will likely remain, with young talents like Rio Ngumoha and Max Dowman pushing for spots.

Read the original on BBC Sport

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