We picked our England XI vs Serbia as Foden and Alexander-Arnold change places

Gareth Southgate, the manager of England, has several choices to make about the Three Lions’ opening Euro 2024 encounter against Serbia.

This Sunday in Gelsenkirchen, England will play Serbia in the opening match of their Euro 2024 campaign. With John Stones’ health being questioned because of a stomach ailment and Luke Shaw out of commission, Gareth Southgate faces some tough choices. Some of our Express Sport writers suggest Trent Alexander-Arnold start at right-back instead of midfield and Phil Foden be placed more centrally when selecting the starting lineup.

Charlie Gordon (4-3-3): Saka, Kane, Gordon; Bellingham, Rice, Foden; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Trippier

Kieran Trippier ought to stay at left back since Luke Shaw needs to be gradually introduced to the competition. In the midfield three, Declan Rice is positioned deepest, Jude Bellingham assumes more defensive duties than he does for Real Madrid to function as the link between the two, and Phil Foden, who concluded the season with nine goals in ten games for Man City, is given the most freedom to move forward. Bellingham can play the box-to-box role with excellent ability, and this style brings out the best in an extremely skilled England midfield. Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon’s quickness on the left will be essential to the success of England’s assault.

Mitchell, Mikael (4-2-3-1) Pickford; Rice, Bellingham; Gordon, Foden, Saka; Kane; Walker, Stones, Guehi, Shaw;

Gareth Southgate needs to put Phil Foden through the middle so he can receive as much ball time as possible. It would be a crime to waste him out on the left flank. Additionally, with Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka on the flanks, it will permit the additional pace out wide. Declan Rice is the only holding midfielder we need to play against weaker teams. Jude Bellingham is a tenth grader and Foden is an eight. Harry Kane is the first name on the teamsheet, and the back four select themselves.

Charlie Malam (4-2-3-1): Rice, Bellingham; Gordon, Foden, Saka; Kane; Alexander-Arnold, Gomez, Guehi, Trippier;

Although Trent Alexander-Arnold is one of England’s finest creators, it would be good to see him play for Liverpool at right-back, where he has plenty of room. His passage from a distance provides so many more alternatives. Even though Jude Bellingham would have to move to a slightly more defensive box-to-box role, it would be worthwhile to attempt Phil Foden at centre. If fit, John Stones goes first. If not, Joe Gomez can marshal the backline and has marginally more experience playing in games this big than Ezri Konsa.

Sam Smith (4-2-3-1) Pickford; Saka, Bellingham, Foden; Kane; Gallagher, Rice; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Shaw

Trent Alexander-Arnold is the best right-back that England needs to be at his optimal position. The Liverpool player performs best when he is playing in the right-hand channel rather than in the middle of the midfield. The one big problem for Gareth Southgate is in midfield, where he failed to get Kobbie Mainoo and Declan Rice to work together against Iceland. Conor Gallagher, who has been playing well for Chelsea, deserves the opportunity to demonstrate that he can lead England in a tournament.

Tom Parsons (4-2-3-1) Pickford; Rice, Mainoo; Bellingham, Saka, Eze; Kane; Alexander-Arnold, Stones, Guehi, Trippier

Right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold needs more time to prove he is still a reliable player for England, while Kieran Trippier is chosen on the other side due to his leadership qualities. If Kobbie Mainoo performs well in midfield alongside the amazing Declan Rice, he might be the tournament’s shining star. In order to test how the Crystal Palace player responds to the big stage, Gareth Southgate ought to release Eberechi Eze right away. The Manchester City player will be greatly relied upon by the management as the tournament goes on since he already knows what he can accomplish on the left.