Alan Shearer spots England's biggest problem at Euro 2024 as he names ideal starting XI
Alan Shearer fears England's injury-hit defence could be Gareth Southgate's biggest weakness at Euro 2024.
The Three Lions' campaign in Germany begins with a difficult encounter against a physical and experienced Serbian side. While England boast some of the finest players in the world, Southgate, as it was for England managers before him, has the challenge of trying to fit them all into the same team.
Southgate is without experienced defender Harry Maguire and is expected to be without left-back Luke Shaw for the start of the competition. He has also made the bold call of leaving experienced trio Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford and James Maddison at home for the summer's competition.
Nevertheless, England are still widely being heralded as the favourites to lift the competition in Germany. If he is to do that, Shearer believes Southgate must go all in on whatever strategy he decides.
While speaking to Betfair, the Newcastle United legend said: “I think whatever players Gareth Southgate plays, and whatever selections he makes, I think we could, and probably should, have the best front six, possibly, in world football.
“Whether it's Saka on the right, Kane, Foden, Gordon, Rice, Bellingham, whoever he plays, that is a front six that can compete with anyone. My concern is defensively, even if Harry Maguire was in the squad then I would still have one or two concerns.
“I think he will be a miss in both boxes for and against set pieces. Luke Shaw isn't going to be available for the first game or two as well. Defensively there's a worry but going forward and in midfield they are as good as anywhere."
Alan Shearer, who led the tributes to Newcastle's latest European generation after witnessing their Champions League demolition of Paris St Germain. Issue date: Thursday October 5, 2023
One of the big debates is Declan Rice's midfield partner. Conor Gallagher, Kobbie Mainoo and Trent Alexander-Arnold have all been given an opportunity to play alongside the Arsenal ace in the recent international friendlies.
The highly-rated Adam Wharton has also been touted as a candidate to anchor the midfield. When asked about who he would deploy, Shearer said: “The one question is, ‘Who he actually plays alongside Rice?’
"Does he be brave and put Trent in there, if you use Iceland as an example, and you go in on the front foot, which I hope he does. I hope he goes, 'We've got a great chance of winning this tournament we're going to go for it, they're not scared of anyone'.
Jude Bellingham of England celebrates with teammate Phil Foden after scoring the team's second goal during the 150th Anniversary Heritage Match between Scotland and England at Hampden Park on September 12, 2023 in Glasgow, Scotland
"But I also understand that you do need to give that back four a little bit of protection. Whether that's Trent in there or he puts Mainoo in there, we will have to wait and see.
"Or, whether it's Rice and Bellingham, and then he puts Foden in the ten role, which is what I would go for. I would have Rice and Bellingham, then Saka on the right, Kane and then Anthony Gordon, with Phil Foden in behind them playing the ten role which he has been so brilliant at this season."
England's campaign kicks off in Gelsenkirchen at the Veltins Arena. Their Group C clash kicks off at 8pm BST.
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