England have just 18 months to wait for the next major tournament, Euro 2024, and the chance for another crack at glory in Germany.
Gareth Southgate has said he needs “a few weeks” to decide if he will remain in charge but, regardless, the current squad should not require major surgery.
There were only six players at the World Cup who were not part of the last Euros squad and a similarly gentle turnover is likely for summer 2024, although managers could be restricted to 23 players again after two major finals with 26-man squads.
Standard Sport assesses how the England squad could change for the next European Championship:
Goalkeepers
At 28, Jordan Pickford is still a spring chicken in goalkeeper years and there is no reason he should not still be England’s No1 in 2024, 2026 and even beyond.
He won his 50th cap against France and had another quietly impressive tournament in Qatar, making sharp saves from Senegal’s Ismaila Sarr and the USA’s Christian Pulisic — even if both efforts resulted in goal-kicks.
An Everton revival or a move to a ‘Big-Six’ club (Tottenham will soon need a new goalkeeper) would only enhance Pickford’s status, although he is likely to face increasing competition from Arsenal’s Aaron Ramsdale, 24, who now has experience of being at two major finals. Dean Henderson, 25, could come back into the picture.
Defenders
Kyle Walker more than held his own against Kylian Mbappe but will be 34 at the Euros, and likely to have lost the yard of pace which makes him such an asset. Kieran Trippier will be 33.
No matter, England have no shortage of right-backs. Chelsea’s Reece James, 23, will likely establish himself as first choice, particularly if Southgate remains in charge, while Trent Alexander-Arnold is going nowhere. Tino Livramento and Spurs’s Djed Spence, currently in the Under-21 set-up, could also develop.
At left-back, Luke Shaw, 27, and Chelsea’s Ben Chilwell, 25, should still be in contention but could face competition from Crystal Palace’s Tyrick Mitchell and perhaps Tottenham’s Ryan Sessegnon.
Harry Maguire answered his critics in Qatar but his club future is uncertain and he will be 31 in 18 months’ time. Palace’s Marc Guehi, Fikayo Tomori and Ben White will all be eyeing his place — although the latter needs to start playing in the middle for Arsenal.
Keep an eye on 19-year-old Chelsea loanee Levi Colwill. With John Stones likely to still be crucial, the biggest change for 2024 might be no more discussion of the back three, which England have outgrown.
Midfielders
The most exciting development England could make in midfield would be to convert Phil Foden from a winger into a creative and scrappy No8-No10 hybrid, as France have done with Antoine Griezmann. Southgate does not currently trust Foden in the middle but, with 18 months’ more experience, he could form a mouth-watering three with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice, who are both likely to be playing for one of Europe’s elite clubs by then. Jack Grealish and James Maddison are also contenders if Southgate or his successor wants a creative midfielder.
Jordan Henderson proved his value in Qatar but will be 34 at the Euros and unlikely to still be in the first XI. Mason Mount is an obvious successor in the role, while Kalvin Phillips could come back into contention if he can get in the Manchester City team.
Conor Gallagher did not play a minute in these finals but should continue to grow in prominence, while Liverpool teenager Harvey Elliott is clearly a future international in the making and likely to be ready in 18 months. Cole Palmer, Jacob Ramsey, Chelsea’s Carney Chukwuemeka and Spurs’s Oliver Skipp are all youth internationals on Southgate’s radar.
Forwards
The only questions around Harry Kane will be over his club, given his Spurs contract is due to expire during the next Euros, and his understudy at No9. There is no compelling choice, although Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins and Tammy Abraham will all hope to be the man in form in the build-up to the tournament.
Marcus Rashford might also have developed into more of a No9 under Erik ten Hag, having top-scored for England in Qatar from a wide role.
Raheem Sterling’s future for the national team is uncertain, however. He will be 29 at the next Euros and must maintain form for Chelsea, having lost his place in the XI during the World Cup.
Bukayo Saka caught the attention of the world against France and will be an even more rounded player in 18 months, while Foden or Grealish could continue on the other wing. Jadon Sancho will be eyeing a recall in Sterling’s position and Everton’s Anthony Gordon is a potential star.
