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Who will start for England at Euro 2028? BBC Sport's predictions

Who will start for England at Euro 2028? BBC Sport's predictions

bbc.co.uk 22.09.2026 16:25 1 views
As England prepare to face world champions Spain on Saturday, BBC Sport's experts predict who will be starting for the Three Lions at Euro 2028.

Less than two months after Spain were celebrating their World Cup triumph, the next major tournament cycle begins. From 9 June 2028, the European Championship will be hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland - and the path to the finals starts now. England host Spain on Saturday in their Nations League opener and, while the competition doesn't offer a direct qualification route, it does provide a secondary route for teams who don't qualify automatically.

Despite being co-hosts of Euro 2028, Thomas Tuchel's men are not guaranteed a spot in the tournament - with all hosts having to earn their place. But, assuming England will qualify for the tournament, who do you think will be in the side for the opener in the summer of 2028? We have asked some BBC Sport experts for their predictions and want you to pick your team using the selector at the bottom of the page.

Will England boss Tuchel 'embrace the chaos'? Just a couple of changes from the World Cup. Jordan Pickford will be 34 by the time Euro 2028 starts so no problem there for goalkeeper, although James Trafford will mount a serious challenge.

I would pick Trent Alexander-Arnold at right-back but I am still not convinced Tuchel trusts him even though he has handed him an England recall. On that basis I have selected Tino Livramento, if he can stay fit, although I still hope Tuchel puts doubts about Alexander-Arnold out of his mind. If Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite can steer clear of injury – if – then I think Tuchel could partner him with Marc Guehi in the centre of defence, with Nico O'Reilly staying on the left.

Personal preference persuades me to pick Adam Wharton ahead of Elliot Anderson – who I do rate very highly – with Declan Rice a no-brainer. Tuchel could go either way but I believe Wharton can win that fight between that now and then, despite missing out on that final squad. Of course there will be claims for Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers and even Morgan Gibbs-White, but Jude Bellingham ended any arguments, such as they were, about his class and place in the team with a brilliant World Cup.

Where would you play them? 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? Bukayo Saka is another certain pick in my opinion, but I believe Liverpool's Rio Ngumoah will develop as such a rate he will be an England regular by 2028, so he gets the nod on the left.

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