England’s Euro 2024 final squad: player-by-player verdict

Forwards

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)

Caps: 29
England will be pinning their hopes on him. Has been playing slightly deeper for Real Madrid recently, similar to his England role, but he gets everywhere around the pitch. Has been rested this week to get him ready for the tournament.
Importance to Southgate: 5/5

Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United)

Caps: Eight
Has hit the 20-goal mark this season and looked good at stages of the last international break plus solid against Bosnia. The extra three positions worked in his favour in a competitive area of the squad for wide positions.
Importance to Southgate: 2/5

Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace)

Caps: Three
He has an X-factor that could see him make an impact off the bench in Germany. It pushed him ahead of Jordan Henderson in the battle to get in the provisional squad, then name-checked after his lively display against Bosnia.
Importance to Southgate: 2/5

Phil Foden (Manchester City)

Caps: 33
Will surely be starting for England during the Euros. The question for the Football Writers’ Association player of the season is where his best position is under Southgate. Unfinished business after injury for the Euro 2020 final.
Importance to Southgate: 4/5

Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United)

Caps: Two
Gordon played very well against Brazil and it was enough for Southgate to have another look against Belgium off the bench. Has been in excellent form for Newcastle since and will be a good impact sub.
Importance to Southgate: 2/5

Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

Caps: 90
Has suffered an injury scare but will be back at full tilt for the Euros, hopefully. Bundesliga heartbreak for him but it can still be a huge summer for his country. He is integral to how England attack, as he often drops deep.
Importance to Southgate: 5/5

Cole Palmer (Chelsea)

Caps: Three
Forced his way in with his form this season and first England goal on his first start. Turns up in the big moments while his team-mates have struggled. He is rising to every occasion since leaving Manchester City. Will be good if matches go to penalties. 
Importance to Southgate: 3/5

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)

Caps: 32
His direct running from the right will be an important part of England’s attack as they look to go one better this time around. He pulled out of the squad to face Brazil and Belgium as a precaution, but has been back on form for Arsenal.
Importance to Southgate: 4/5

Ivan Toney (Brentford)

Caps: Two
Scored during the last international break, one year after his England debut, but then went the rest of the season without finding the net. Still enough of a threat to be part of Southgate’s artillery.
Importance to Southgate: 1/5

Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

Caps: 12
He scored 19 goals and registered 13 assists in the Premier League. These numbers speak for themselves and he deserves his place on merit and on sheer weight of goals this season.
Importance to Southgate: 3/5