Who should start for England vs Bosnia in Euro 2024 audition – Cole Palmer, Joe Gomez, Ollie Watkins?

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England have just two games this week before Euro 2024 arrives – with Gareth Southgate still to fine-tune his squad and decide which seven to knock out of his preliminary group.

The first of these warm-up friendlies takes place on Monday night, with the Three Lions in action against a host of absentees Bosnia and Herzegovina, meaning places are certainly up for grabs if players impress when given the chance start.

But who should get the nod?

With Jordan Pickford an automatic choice in goal, his back three are not only fighting for two plane tickets, but also the right to be his back-up on the tour. In defence, full-back options need to be decided, particularly on the left, given Luke Shaw’s ongoing injury problem, while four centre-backs in the squad make just seven selections between them, two of which are yet to be tested.

Southgate further has to choose whether he wants to see Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold in midfield link up with Declan Rice before the start of the tournament or whether it is more important to give other fringe options the chance to succeed and earn a place in the team, while the likes of Jarrod Bowen and Eberechi Eze will hope to succeed with the currently injured Anthony Gordon. Competition for places in extended attacking areas is fierce – and then there’s understudy Harry Kane to fully decide.

There is still a lot for Southgate to unravel and Monday night’s schedule is a crucial one. Here are his views the independentwhose sports office should get a start:

Richard Jolly: Ramsdale; Trippier, Guehi, Branthwaite, Gomez; Rice, Alexander-Arnold, Jones; Palmer, Watkins, Eze.

Largely dictated by who needs a game – Aaron Ramsdale – or needs testing in a position – Joe Gomez at left-back, Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield – along with those competing for the last available places in the 26 , such as Eberechi Eze and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Karl Matchett: Henderson; Konsa, Guehi, Branthwaite, Gomez; Rice, Alexander-Arnold, Jones; Palmer, Watkins, Eze.

I’m not sure there’s anything to be learned by pitching Trippier, Gallagher et al. at this stage, so start those who have a place to gain or lose and see who impresses the most. The ‘Bellingham’ role in midfield is probably that of James Maddison, so he may just start, but Curtis Jones had a brilliant campaign until his injury in March and could have the ball control and retention England need in certain situations. In attack, Cole Palmer simply needs to be given space to show his worth.

Alex Pattle: Ramsdale, Trippier, Guehi, Branthwaite, Gomez; Rice, Alexander-Arnold, Jones; Palmer, Watkins, Eze.

As Rich said, the likes of Eze and Branthwaite need a chance to claim a place in the last 26. Meanwhile, Alexander-Arnold and Gomez should probably get game time to test their positional mettle . In Palmer’s case, a star introduction can push him right into the starting XI, and he has more than earned his opportunity for that audition. At worst, a good performance keeps Palmer’s momentum and confidence going when he’s called off the bench – possibly at a time of real need.

Harry Latham-Coyle: Ramsdale; Gomez, Guehi, Branthwaite, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Gallagher; Palmer, Watkins, Eze.

It feels like Kieran Trippier may need to start the Euros at left-back for England with Luke Shaw’s fitness very much in doubt, so this is a good chance to get him some time in the position with the Newcastle full-back taking handed over the captaincy. on his native land. It’s probably worth seeing what a midfield looks like without Declan Rice in it, but Southgate might wait for Iceland’s game to do so. Palmer and Eze cutting down each flank should be fun, even if England might look a bit cramped.

Andrew Georgeson: Pickford; Konsa, Dunk, Gomez, Tripper; Alexander-Arnold, Rice, Wharton; Palmer, Eze, Watkins.

With Maguire in doubt, we need to know England’s next at centre-back, so one of Dunk or Gomez must shine centrally. Adam Wharton is my pick in midfield to get a chance – a real unexpected inclusion and in great form and confidence. Seeing what he is capable of at this level before the tournament could be vital.

Luke Baker: Pickford; Konsa, Guehi, Branthwaite, Trippier; Rice, Alexander-Arnold, Maddison; Palmer, Watkins, Eze.

I’d like to see a mix of those competing for the 22-26 spots in the squad and those who could be starters but play in slightly unknown positions should they sell out these last two friendlies. Kieran Trippier needs reps at left-back, where he will likely be forced into action against Serbia in the opener, and the same goes for Alexander-Arnold who plays alongside Rice in that midfield pivot. Given the brilliance of Foden and Bellingham, it looks like Cole Palmer can play on the right more often during this Euro, so I’ve given him the start there and then the likes of Marc Guehi, Ollie Watkins and James Maddison get a chance. to lock down a place in the last 26 – and I think all three will.

Lawrence Ostler: Ramsdale; Gomez, Guehi, Branthwaite, Trippier; Alexander-Arnold, Wharton, Gallagher; Eze, Watkins, Palmer.

I’d like to see Trent Alexander-Arnold tried in the holding role, which could be a solution to free up Declan Rice to play more box-to-box once the tournament comes around. Aaron Ramsdale and Marc Guehi need minutes, while Eberechi Eze and Jarrad Branthwaite deserve a chance to earn their places on the plane. Cole Palmer is yet to play for England this year and would add some much-needed quality to a largely fringe starting line-up – it wouldn’t be ideal preparation to lose on the eve of the Euros, even if it’s just a friendly. .