England begin their preparations for Euro 2024 this evening, with Bosnia and Herzegovina their opponents in their first warm-up friendly, with the rest coming against Iceland on Friday.
After that in the tournament itself with Gareth Southgate’s team facing Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia in the group stage – although before that, the manager had to cut the squad from 33 to 26, making the match on Friday night important for some hope. who still have something to prove before the final group is confirmed for Germany.
Matters are further complicated by the fact that several players are unavailable at the moment, Luke Shaw is still injured, John Stones joins the team and Jude Bellingham wins the Champions League final on Saturday night. This means opportunities for others, but they need to impress Southgate quickly to make the plane.
Follow all the latest action and matches between England and Bosnia below:
Many of these players will be vying for a place on the plane to Germany on June 8.
Chris WilsonJune 3, 2024 6:25 p.m
The stage is set for the first pre-Euro 2024 match.
Great weather in the north of England!
Chris WilsonJune 3, 2024 6:15 p.m
England vs Bosnia-Herzegovina Match Statistics
Perhaps surprisingly, tonight’s meeting between these parties is the first time they have met.
This will be the first meeting between the two nations in any competition, although Bosnia and Herzegovina are unbeaten in seven matches against the English nation this century (W4 D3). Their last defeat on English soil was against Scotland in 1999.
For England, it will be their first match in St. James’ Park dates back to 2005, when the Three Lions beat Azerbaijan 2-0 in a World Cup qualifier.
England are unbeaten in their last eleven friendlies against European nations (W8 D3) since losing 3-2 in France in June 2017, but their last two matches – friendlies against Brazil and Belgium – have produced disappointing results.
Additionally, Bosnia and Herzegovina have lost their last four matches, conceding 13 goals in those matches, including a 2-1 loss to Ukraine in the Euro 2024 qualifying play-offs.
Chris WilsonJune 3, 2024 6:05 p.m
When does Euro 2024 start?
The summer’s premier football competition kicks off on June 14 in Munich, where hosts Germany will take on Scotland in the opening match of Group A.
The game comes thick and fast from June 15th, with three matches per day, but only one day between June 15th and June 23rd.
Matches selected from the opening round include:
GROUP B- the youngest of Spain against Croatia, 15 June 8pm BST
GROUP C – Serbia vs England16 June 8pm BST
GROUP D – Austria v France17 June 8pm BST
GROUP E – Belgium vs Slovakia, 17 June 5pm BST
GROUP F- Portugal vs Czech Republic, 18 June 8pm BST
Chris WilsonJune 3, 2024 5:50 p.m
When is the England squad announced?
Tonight’s match is the first of two warm-up matches England play before the final 26-man squad for the tournament is announced.
England will face Iceland at Wembley on June 7, and the following day, Southgate will name his official squad for the European Championships in Germany.
Here’s everything you need to know about the squad announcement.
Chris WilsonJune 3, 2024 5:35 p.m
England Euro 2024 squad: Who is almost on the plane?
Few players have all but secured a place in the side, with factors including impressive Premier League performances or a lack of competition in the side helping their chances.
The goalkeeper lost the battle for a starting place at Arsenal with David Raya, but even so, he could go to the Euros as Pickford’s deputy.
One of Southgate’s favourites, Trippier could be part of the squad due to his experience, versatility and set-piece delivery. His form for Newcastle this season has not been of a high standard and he has been plagued by injuries for the last two months, but he can cover right and left.
Gallagher seems to have done enough to land a more established international and a regular start for Chelsea this season has increased his chances of being selected for the Euros in a position that is not available in England.
Mainoo had an impressive breakthrough at Manchester United after graduating from the club’s academy, and the youngster returned to form in his senior debut for England against Belgium. Given the lack of midfield options, Mainoo could feature in the Euros squad – and possibly make the starting XI.
The midfielder struggled with injury at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, which prevented him from featuring, but he has done enough for Tottenham this season to secure a second place at the Euros. Maddison will provide an alternative option as an attacking midfielder, although his minutes may be limited.
The Chelsea talisman won the Premier League’s best young player award after scoring 26 goals and 15 assists in all competitions. Palmer has two England caps, although a minor injury has ruined his chances of showing what he can do during March’s internationals.
Watkins has been sensational since Unai Emery took over as Aston Villa manager last year, and the striker made a strong case for Kane’s deputy role at the Euros after finishing the Premier League season with the most assists (13) and fourth most. goals (19).
Chris WilsonJune 3, 2024 5:20 p.m
England Euro 2024 squad: Who’s on board?
The 20-year-old has quickly established himself as one of England’s key players. He has consistently produced outstanding performances for his country and club, Real Madrid, scoring goals and assisting after driving from midfield.
Rice has been one of Arsenal’s standout performers this season, and his importance at international level has grown over the past few years to the point where he has become an integral part of the way England play. After Kane, Rice is probably England’s most difficult player to replace.
Foden enjoyed his best season in a Manchester City shirt, becoming a talisman for the club who delivered repeatedly. Velcro control is unique in the national squad and Southgate’s only conundrum is whether to match Foden’s attacking talents into a team containing Bellingham, Saka and others.
Saka is fast becoming a senior England player despite being just 22 years old, and is set for a key role at Euro 2024. He has produced another fine season for Arsenal, with 20 goals and 14 assists from 47 games, and Saka will be first choice on the Right Wing English in Germany.
The England captain remains a talisman on the pitch, with leadership and goals in a record-breaking debut season at Bayern Munich, albeit without a trophy. The only concern is fitness after a back injury prevented Kane from playing in Bayern’s last game of the season.
Chris WilsonJune 3, 2024 5:05 p.m
England Euro 2024 squad: Who’s on board?
While some players are still worried about getting a place on the plane to Germany, there are some who are certain to be in the squad on June 8.
So who must be on the plane?
Everton’s goalkeeper has long been England’s No.1 and that position is safe, as his closest challenger, Aaron Ramsdale, has been usurped by David Raya at Arsenal this season.
The Manchester City defender has been a stalwart for Southgate over the years, integral to a deep run at the 2018 World Cup and the last Euros, and the lack of centre-back alternatives only strengthens his position in the squad.
The Manchester United defender is one of Southgate’s most trusted players and he remains Stones’ most likely partner at Euro 2024, in their fourth tournament together. Calf injuries are not expected to deny a place on the plane.
His experience, speed of recovery and ability to play on the right side of the back three all make the Manchester City captain a key part of Southgate’s plans.
Alexander-Arnold has struggled to get the game for England on the right, but the switch to midfield has seen him more involved for the country. Liverpool’s vice-captain offers unique creativity as well as set-piece delivery and can be an option alongside Rice in central midfield.
Chris WilsonJune 3, 2024 4:50 p.m
England vs Bosnia-Herzegovina – who is fighting for a place on the plane?
Some players are almost guaranteed a place on the plane to Germany, but will be fighting for a starting spot before the tournament begins.
Among these is the Chelsea starlet Cole Palmer, who capped off an impressive Premier League campaign by winning the young player of the season award.
His form in the league usually deserves a starting spot, but the likes of Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham may not start for Chelsea (at least initially), whether on the wing or more centrally.
Kobbie Mainoo fresh out of the back scoring the winner in the FA Cup final, but it is another player who will fight for two places in the plane and potentially the starting position. With Rice and Bellingham almost guaranteed to start in the midfield, there is one starting spot up for grabs between Mainoo, Adam Wharton and Conor Gallagher of Chelsea.
The final worry comes in defence, where injuries to Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw have put doubts over whether they will be fit to start the opening game against Serbia on June 16.
This means there are gaps in the squad for adaptable defenders such as Ezra Cons and Joe Gómezwhich can play in several positions right back.
Middle back Jarrad Branthwaite, Marc Guehi and Jarell Quansah everything has a good season, but there is likely only room for two people behind Kyle Walker, John Stones, Kieran Tripper and the aforementioned Manchester United man.
Chris WilsonJune 3, 2024 4:35 p.m
England could be set for some debutants in Newcastle
Five players who have been called up to the 33-man squad so far are absent.
Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, who is the goalkeeper most likely to be cut from the squad, is hoping to make his first appearance.
Defenders Jarrad Branthwaite and Jarell Quansah are also uncapped, with the Everton man more likely to earn a place in the tournament squad.
The last two uncapped players are Curtis Jones and Adam Wharton, who appear to be competing for one place in midfield. Liverpool midfielder Jones has been huge for England U21s in the past, with Wharton having made huge strides in his career since joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn in January.
Chris WilsonJune 3, 2024 4:20 p.m