With rising questions over Harry Maguire’s availability for the tournament opener, Marc Guehi is expected to start England’s match against Serbia in Euro 2024.

The Manchester United defender is out of the running for Monday’s friendly against Bosnia due to a calf injury, and England head coach Garry Southgate stated on Sunday that he doubted Maguire would be fit for Friday’s last warm-up match against Iceland.

This means that by the time England kick off their campaign in Germany on June 16, the center-back will have not appeared on the field since April 27.

 

And if, as predicted, Maguire is unable to demonstrate that he is totally fit to start the match against Serbia, Crystal Palace center-back Guehi will line up next to John Stones.

Guehi will line up with Brighton defender Lewis Dunk at St. James’ Park on Monday, where a strong showing will help him in his quest to be chosen for the tournament’s first round.

 

Marc Guehi is in line to start England’s opening Euro 2024 fixture against Serbia

 

Harry Maguire is still questionable for the match because of his calf injury.

 

Luke Shaw, who hasn’t played in three months because of a major hamstring injury, is reportedly making positive progress in his quest to be fit for the Euros, according to Southgate. However, he will miss the match on Friday and Monday night.

Both Bukayo Saka (groin) and Anthony Gordon (ankle) will be out for Iceland’s match against Bosnia, but both should be available.

When asked how much he would discuss with his injured roster before reducing his current 33-man roster to 26, Southgate gave a direct, “As little as possible” response. They really are such liars! In a relegation struggle, every available space in the treatment room is taken.

It’s empty if you’re in the cup final. I now know that. They are quite upbeat and have good intentions, but they also want to board the plane, so we need to take a closer look than that.

With captain Harry Kane starting on the bench in the competition to be the Bayern Munich striker’s backup, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney will be hoping to be given the chance to shine against Bosnia.

 

According to Southgate, England is not likely to employ a three-at-the-back formation right now.

Additionally, Southgate has stated that his team is not likely to employ the three-at-the-back formation that he frequently used in the early years of his leadership.

We haven’t considered three-at-the-back as of yet. Of course we could; we are aware of all the advantages and disadvantages of doing so, Southgate continued.

It’s intriguing to learn that it was suggested, as I believe we were essentially exterminated for carrying it out for a considerable amount of time.