BBC Experts Predict England's Potential Euro 2028 Lineup
BBC Sport pundits forecast who might start for England at Euro 2028, with most expecting minimal changes from the current squad.
With England set to co-host Euro 2028 alongside Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, attention is already turning to the tournament. The competition begins on 9 June 2028, and England's path to the finals starts with a Nations League opener against Spain on Saturday. Although the Nations League does not offer direct qualification, it provides a secondary route for teams that do not qualify automatically.
BBC Sport's team of experts have offered their predictions for England's starting XI at Euro 2028. Chief football writer Phil McNulty anticipates a few alterations from the World Cup squad, suggesting Jordan Pickford will remain in goal despite competition from James Trafford. He selects Tino Livramento at right-back over Trent Alexander-Arnold, citing doubts over manager Thomas Tuchel's trust in Alexander-Arnold. McNulty also predicts Jarrad Branthwaite and Marc Guehi in central defence, with Nico O'Reilly at left-back.
In midfield, McNulty favours Adam Wharton over Elliot Anderson alongside Declan Rice, while Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka are certainties. He expects Harry Kane to lead the line despite being nearly 35, and tips Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha to start on the left. Senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel largely agrees with the World Cup first-choice team, with Morgan Rogers possibly edging Anthony Gordon for a spot, and names Rio Ngumoha, Alex Scott, Lewis Miley and Max Dowman as squad contenders.
Radio 5 Live correspondent John Murray sees little need for radical changes given England's recent tournament performances, and believes home advantage could be decisive. He expects Tino Livramento, Lewis Hall and Ben White to challenge for full-back roles, and mentions Morgan Rogers, Cole Palmer, Morgan Gibbs-White and Max Dowman as close to the starting lineup. Senior football reporter Ian Dennis backs Kane and Pickford to continue, with uncertainty at right-back, where he suggests Archie Gray could force his way in.
News reporter Alex Howell also expects Pickford to keep his place, with Trafford pushing him. He tips Myles Lewis-Skelly to start as the holding midfielder over Adam Wharton, and Jarrad Branthwaite or Levi Colwill to partner in defence. Howell notes that Max Dowman will be 18 by Euro 2028 and could challenge Saka, while Brian Madjo may emerge as Kane's understudy. The consensus among the experts is that England's lineup will feature familiar faces, with a few emerging talents potentially breaking through.
Fans are also invited to have their say. While the experts' predictions are speculative, they highlight the depth of talent available to England and the anticipation surrounding a home tournament.
Image: Getty Images / BBC Sport
