Alan Shearer has given his take on England's potential Euro 2024 lineup, highlighting six players to watch. With the Three Lions entering the European Championships in Germany, Shearer points out the impressive attacking talent at their disposal.
The current in-form stars, including Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Phil Foden are likely starters for Gareth Southgate's squad.
In addition to these key players, Shearer suggests Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins as a strong contender
Shearer told The Athletic: "Play Ollie Watkins in the No 9 role."
"Kane can drop back into the No 10 space, which we all know is a natural part of his game and one where he has been so key in creating for England, Tottenham and Bayern Munich. Bellingham would take up a deeper midfield position alongside Rice. Foden and Saka still cut in from out wide."
"Yes, it would be a first, as the two have never shared a pitch for England — but this season, Watkins is looking like the most improved player in the Premier League. He has 16 league goals already, his best top-flight return, with 11 games left to play. This is already the season of his life."
"Some of the credit for that must go down to Unai Emery, who appears to have told Watkins to do the vast majority of his work between the width of the penalty area. It’s not genius but it certainly works."
Shearer added: "I always say that the one thing defenders hate doing is running back towards their own goal. That is exactly what Watkins makes you do because he is constantly running in behind them, a nightmare for them to play against."
"There is a little bit of Jermain Defoe to how he plays: he’s very intelligent with his movement, he’s got good feet, he’s quick and is always looking to find space in the box."
