One of the big selection questions facing Gareth Southgate for Euro 2020 is who plays in his first-choice England midfield.
The manager has a reasonably large pool of options to pick from, but against Kosovo he opted for two players who had, until then, been in an either-or situation: Harry Winks and Declan Rice.
West Ham midfielder Rice has won seven international caps since switching allegiance from the Republic of Ireland, while Spurs man Winks has five caps – and now one goal, after he notched on Sunday night.
Southgate has usually taken one player or the other in his lineups of late, but they paired up against Kosovo and Rice says the performance shows they can operate in tandem.
“A lot of people on the outside see it as competition but I’m really good friends with Harry Winks and when he plays I’m happy for him,” he told the Evening Standard.
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The England manager has selected a number of different players over the last two years, with competition for places arguably fiercer now than it ever has been before.
Here, we rank the players who have a chance of making the 23-man squad next summer, from least to most likely.
2/44 43. Phil Foden
Has repeatedly dazzled for the Under-21’s and Gareth Southgate has insisted the Manchester City man is in his plans. But it will be difficult for Southgate to justify selecting him when he so rarely plays for his club.
Getty Images
3/44 42. Adam Lallana
Once a regular England starter. But his career has always been blighted by injury and now a bit-part player for Liverpool, at best.
Getty Images
4/44 41. Jack Butland
England’s back-up goalkeeper at the 2018 World Cup but has slipped down the pecking order while struggling with Stoke City at the Championship.
PA
5/44 40. Nathan Redmond
Was called up to England’s squad for the Nations League finals but was cut ahead of the semi-final defeat by the Netherlands. It would take a remarkable season with Southampton for him to force his way into contention.
REUTERS
6/44 39. Jack Grealish
Still waiting on his first England call-up. It’s going to be very difficult for him to jump the lengthy queue for a space among England’s midfielders, particularly as Gareth Southgate does not often play with a traditional No 10.
Getty
7/44 38. Luke Shaw
Has a good chance of overhauling Danny Rose in the final 23-man squad – but must first work his way up to full fitness. Another player who is plagued by injuries.
REUTERS
8/44 37. James Ward-Prowse
Made his first competitive appearance for England during the Euro 2020 qualification campaign, appearing as a second-half substitute in a 5-1 win over Montenegro. But competition for a midfield spot in the final squad is incredibly fierce.
AFP/Getty Images
9/44 36. Aaron Wan Bissaka
The 21-year-old is still waiting on his full international debut. A prodigious talent – but currently behind the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker in the pecking order.
PA
10/44 35. James Tarkowski
Placed on standby for the 2018 World Cup. But has fallen down the pecking order in recent months. Only likely to make the final list if other defenders suffer injuries.
EPA
11/44 34. Jesse Lingard
Was one of England’s best players in Russia. But has suffered a startling fall from grace since. Left out of the most recent England squad, and he has a fight on his hands to retain his Manchester United starting place. Up against it.
Getty Images
12/44 33. Callum Wilson
Scored his first goal for England in a friendly against the United States and has been on the fringes of the squad ever since. But could fall victim of Gareth Southgate’s likely strategy of listing as many midfielders as possible.
REUTERS
13/44 32. Fabian Delph
Gareth Southgate rates him highly but the Everton midfielder turns 30 this month and could yet miss out to younger players. He will have rued withdrawing from England’s most recent matches through injury, only to see Harry Winks play so well.
AFP/Getty Images
14/44 31. Dele Alli
Like Jesse Lingard, Dele is a 2018 World Cup regular who now stands a very real chance of missing out on his place at the Euros. Has finally returned for Tottenham and is showing glimpses of his old form, but he is already in a race against time to win back his place in this squad.
PA
15/44 30. Michael Keane
Was given a number of chances for England during the Euro 2020 qualification campaign but never looked particularly assured and has now fallen behind both Tyrone Mings and Fikayo Tomori in the pecking order. Could be destined for a spot on the standby list.
PA
16/44 29. Eric Dier
Has endured a miserable time since the 2018 World Cup. Suffered from a perforated and infected appendix last December which kept him out for months longer than anticipated and has been in underwhelming form ever since. But he is finally back for Tottenham and his versatility makes him the perfect tournament player. Don’t bet against him.
PA
17/44 28. Kyle Walker
He was not selected for England’s most recent qualifiers. The move away from a three-man defence has not helped his cause and he is now likely in a straight battle with Kieran Trippier for a place in the squad.
REUTERS
18/44 27. Tom Heaton
Pulled out of England’s most recent squad through injury. Perhaps he is still Gareth Southgate’s third-choice ‘keeper – but will the England manager instead decide to call-up 22-year-old Dean Henderson for the experience?
REUTERS
19/44 26. Fikayo Tomori
Gareth Southgate is a huge fan. The 21-year-old needs to continue impressing for Chelsea to stake his claim for a place. It’s unlikely both him and Joe Gomez will be selected.
AFP via Getty Images
20/44 25. James Maddison
So talented. And so integral to Leicester City’s success this season. But he is not a natural fit for Gareth Southgate’s England. Faces a real battle to be selected – with Southgate consistently selecting Mason Mount ahead of him.
Getty Images
21/44 24. Joe Gomez
Could the most recent international break have gone any worse for poor Joe Gomez? After scrapping with Raheem Sterling and being booed by his own supporters, Gomez had to pull out of the Kosovo match through injury. But he is adored by Gareth Southgate and is currently ahead of Fikayo Tomori in the pecking order.
Getty Images
22/44 23. Ruben Loftus-Cheek
One of England’s most injury-prone players. He is essential to the style of football Gareth Southgate wants to play – but can he stay fit? If he manages to, he has a very good chance of being selected.
AFP/Getty Images
23/44 22. Danny Rose
Has been desperately poor for both club and country in recent weeks and has certainly lost his first-team place to Leicester’s Ben Chilwell. But England are not blessed with that many options in his position, and he is still likely to make the cut.
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24/44 21. Declan Rice
The West Ham midfielder looked like the answer to England’s midfield woes last season. But the 20-year-old has made an inauspicious start to the new season. The recent win over Montenegro appeared to prove he cannot play in the same midfield as Harry Winks – although it would still be a surprise if he was to miss out, given how prominent a role he has played in qualifying.
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25/44 20. Tyrone Mings
The Aston Villa defender has impressed when called upon for England and – barring a disastrous relegation with Aston Villa – will likely make the final squad. Whether he can supplant John Stones in the starting XI is another matter.
Getty Images
26/44 19. Ross Barkley
Another Chelsea midfielder who is a favourite of Gareth Southgate. Another Chelsea midfielder who persistently struggles to maintain his fitness. The England manager likely hopes to select both Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. But the odds of that surely aren’t favorable.
Getty Images
27/44 18. Dean Henderson
Benefitted from Tom Heaton’s recent withdrawal from the squad. Has little chance of actually playing at Euro 2020 – but could be included in the squad for his development, particularly if he continues to impress for Sheffield United.
Action Images via Reuters
28/44 17. Callum Hudson-Odoi
Was selected to start for England against Kosovo. One for the future, certainly, but the 19-year-old promises to be an electric option from the bench.
EPA
29/44 16. Nick Pope
Undoubtedly England’s back-up goalkeeper. Only injury will see him miss out.
Getty Images
30/44 15. Tammy Abraham
The Chelsea striker is enjoying a breakthrough season, but it will be hard – if not impossible – for him to overthrow Harry Kane in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI. However, England do not have too many top-class strikers and his place in this squad already appears safe.
AFP via Getty Images
31/44 14. Kieran Trippier
Ahead of Kyle Walker in the England pecking order – for now. Has been in good form for Atlético Madrid and will need to maintain this level if he is to retain his place in the 23.
Getty Images
32/44 13. Mason Mount
His ascent has been rapid. Already ahead of the likes of Dele, James Maddison and Jesse Lingard in the England pecking order. If he can keep playing well for Chelsea, he’s in.
EPA
33/44 12. Harry Winks
Whether he can win a place in Gareth Southgate’s preferred XI or not is another matter. But Harry Winks shone for England against Kosovo and offers his country something genuinely different in the middle of the field.
AFP via Getty Images
34/44 11. Trent Alexander-Arnold
It has taken longer than most people expected, but Trent Alexander-Arnold is finally England’s first choice right-back. As he should be.
Action Images via Reuters
35/44 10. Marcus Rashford
Has perhaps not kicked on in the way England would have hoped since the 2018 World Cup. But he will still be crucial next summer. Battling Jadon Sancho for a starting role up front with England’s two best players: Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane.
EPA
36/44 9. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
At present, it looks as though his place in England’s three-man midfield is assured. The worry is whether he can remain fit…
REUTERS
37/44 8. Jadon Sancho
One of the truly positive developments in the months since the 2018 World Cup. Already one of England’s most exciting players. Could yet become one of the best in the world. There is little chance he isn’t selected.
Getty Images
38/44 7. John Stones
It’s not beyond the realms of possibility he will lose his starting place to Tyrone Mings, particularly if his form continues to frustrate – but he’ll be in the squad at least.
Getty Images
39/44 6. Ben Chilwell
Has surpassed Danny Rose as England’s first choice left-back. Has been in fine form this season and will be hoping to announce his arrival on the international stage at Euro 2020.
Getty Images
40/44 5. Jordan Henderson
One of Gareth Southgate’s dressing room leaders and a certain pick.
Action Images via Reuters
41/44 4. Jordan Pickford
There is close to zero chance of him losing his place in England’s starting XI – let alone their 23-man squad.
REUTERS
42/44 3. Harry Maguire
England’s best defender on current form. A certain starter and an increasingly influential player.
Getty Images
43/44 2. Raheem Sterling
So long as he avoids scratching any more of his team-mates, England’s best player is likely to be named in the final 23-man squad.
Action Images via Reuters
44/44 1. Harry Kane
Come on. It would take either a horror injury or a fatal punch-up with Gareth Southgate for him to miss out.
Getty Images
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The England manager has selected a number of different players over the last two years, with competition for places arguably fiercer now than it ever has been before.
Here, we rank the players who have a chance of making the 23-man squad next summer, from least to most likely.
2/44 43. Phil Foden
Has repeatedly dazzled for the Under-21’s and Gareth Southgate has insisted the Manchester City man is in his plans. But it will be difficult for Southgate to justify selecting him when he so rarely plays for his club.
Getty Images
3/44 42. Adam Lallana
Once a regular England starter. But his career has always been blighted by injury and now a bit-part player for Liverpool, at best.
Getty Images
4/44 41. Jack Butland
England’s back-up goalkeeper at the 2018 World Cup but has slipped down the pecking order while struggling with Stoke City at the Championship.
PA
5/44 40. Nathan Redmond
Was called up to England’s squad for the Nations League finals but was cut ahead of the semi-final defeat by the Netherlands. It would take a remarkable season with Southampton for him to force his way into contention.
REUTERS
6/44 39. Jack Grealish
Still waiting on his first England call-up. It’s going to be very difficult for him to jump the lengthy queue for a space among England’s midfielders, particularly as Gareth Southgate does not often play with a traditional No 10.
Getty
7/44 38. Luke Shaw
Has a good chance of overhauling Danny Rose in the final 23-man squad – but must first work his way up to full fitness. Another player who is plagued by injuries.
REUTERS
8/44 37. James Ward-Prowse
Made his first competitive appearance for England during the Euro 2020 qualification campaign, appearing as a second-half substitute in a 5-1 win over Montenegro. But competition for a midfield spot in the final squad is incredibly fierce.
AFP/Getty Images
9/44 36. Aaron Wan Bissaka
The 21-year-old is still waiting on his full international debut. A prodigious talent – but currently behind the likes of Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker in the pecking order.
PA
10/44 35. James Tarkowski
Placed on standby for the 2018 World Cup. But has fallen down the pecking order in recent months. Only likely to make the final list if other defenders suffer injuries.
EPA
11/44 34. Jesse Lingard
Was one of England’s best players in Russia. But has suffered a startling fall from grace since. Left out of the most recent England squad, and he has a fight on his hands to retain his Manchester United starting place. Up against it.
Getty Images
12/44 33. Callum Wilson
Scored his first goal for England in a friendly against the United States and has been on the fringes of the squad ever since. But could fall victim of Gareth Southgate’s likely strategy of listing as many midfielders as possible.
REUTERS
13/44 32. Fabian Delph
Gareth Southgate rates him highly but the Everton midfielder turns 30 this month and could yet miss out to younger players. He will have rued withdrawing from England’s most recent matches through injury, only to see Harry Winks play so well.
AFP/Getty Images
14/44 31. Dele Alli
Like Jesse Lingard, Dele is a 2018 World Cup regular who now stands a very real chance of missing out on his place at the Euros. Has finally returned for Tottenham and is showing glimpses of his old form, but he is already in a race against time to win back his place in this squad.
PA
15/44 30. Michael Keane
Was given a number of chances for England during the Euro 2020 qualification campaign but never looked particularly assured and has now fallen behind both Tyrone Mings and Fikayo Tomori in the pecking order. Could be destined for a spot on the standby list.
PA
16/44 29. Eric Dier
Has endured a miserable time since the 2018 World Cup. Suffered from a perforated and infected appendix last December which kept him out for months longer than anticipated and has been in underwhelming form ever since. But he is finally back for Tottenham and his versatility makes him the perfect tournament player. Don’t bet against him.
PA
17/44 28. Kyle Walker
He was not selected for England’s most recent qualifiers. The move away from a three-man defence has not helped his cause and he is now likely in a straight battle with Kieran Trippier for a place in the squad.
REUTERS
18/44 27. Tom Heaton
Pulled out of England’s most recent squad through injury. Perhaps he is still Gareth Southgate’s third-choice ‘keeper – but will the England manager instead decide to call-up 22-year-old Dean Henderson for the experience?
REUTERS
19/44 26. Fikayo Tomori
Gareth Southgate is a huge fan. The 21-year-old needs to continue impressing for Chelsea to stake his claim for a place. It’s unlikely both him and Joe Gomez will be selected.
AFP via Getty Images
20/44 25. James Maddison
So talented. And so integral to Leicester City’s success this season. But he is not a natural fit for Gareth Southgate’s England. Faces a real battle to be selected – with Southgate consistently selecting Mason Mount ahead of him.
Getty Images
21/44 24. Joe Gomez
Could the most recent international break have gone any worse for poor Joe Gomez? After scrapping with Raheem Sterling and being booed by his own supporters, Gomez had to pull out of the Kosovo match through injury. But he is adored by Gareth Southgate and is currently ahead of Fikayo Tomori in the pecking order.
Getty Images
22/44 23. Ruben Loftus-Cheek
One of England’s most injury-prone players. He is essential to the style of football Gareth Southgate wants to play – but can he stay fit? If he manages to, he has a very good chance of being selected.
AFP/Getty Images
23/44 22. Danny Rose
Has been desperately poor for both club and country in recent weeks and has certainly lost his first-team place to Leicester’s Ben Chilwell. But England are not blessed with that many options in his position, and he is still likely to make the cut.
Getty Images
24/44 21. Declan Rice
The West Ham midfielder looked like the answer to England’s midfield woes last season. But the 20-year-old has made an inauspicious start to the new season. The recent win over Montenegro appeared to prove he cannot play in the same midfield as Harry Winks – although it would still be a surprise if he was to miss out, given how prominent a role he has played in qualifying.
Getty Images
25/44 20. Tyrone Mings
The Aston Villa defender has impressed when called upon for England and – barring a disastrous relegation with Aston Villa – will likely make the final squad. Whether he can supplant John Stones in the starting XI is another matter.
Getty Images
26/44 19. Ross Barkley
Another Chelsea midfielder who is a favourite of Gareth Southgate. Another Chelsea midfielder who persistently struggles to maintain his fitness. The England manager likely hopes to select both Ross Barkley and Ruben Loftus-Cheek. But the odds of that surely aren’t favorable.
Getty Images
27/44 18. Dean Henderson
Benefitted from Tom Heaton’s recent withdrawal from the squad. Has little chance of actually playing at Euro 2020 – but could be included in the squad for his development, particularly if he continues to impress for Sheffield United.
Action Images via Reuters
28/44 17. Callum Hudson-Odoi
Was selected to start for England against Kosovo. One for the future, certainly, but the 19-year-old promises to be an electric option from the bench.
EPA
29/44 16. Nick Pope
Undoubtedly England’s back-up goalkeeper. Only injury will see him miss out.
Getty Images
30/44 15. Tammy Abraham
The Chelsea striker is enjoying a breakthrough season, but it will be hard – if not impossible – for him to overthrow Harry Kane in Gareth Southgate’s starting XI. However, England do not have too many top-class strikers and his place in this squad already appears safe.
AFP via Getty Images
31/44 14. Kieran Trippier
Ahead of Kyle Walker in the England pecking order – for now. Has been in good form for Atlético Madrid and will need to maintain this level if he is to retain his place in the 23.
Getty Images
32/44 13. Mason Mount
His ascent has been rapid. Already ahead of the likes of Dele, James Maddison and Jesse Lingard in the England pecking order. If he can keep playing well for Chelsea, he’s in.
EPA
33/44 12. Harry Winks
Whether he can win a place in Gareth Southgate’s preferred XI or not is another matter. But Harry Winks shone for England against Kosovo and offers his country something genuinely different in the middle of the field.
AFP via Getty Images
34/44 11. Trent Alexander-Arnold
It has taken longer than most people expected, but Trent Alexander-Arnold is finally England’s first choice right-back. As he should be.
Action Images via Reuters
35/44 10. Marcus Rashford
Has perhaps not kicked on in the way England would have hoped since the 2018 World Cup. But he will still be crucial next summer. Battling Jadon Sancho for a starting role up front with England’s two best players: Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane.
EPA
36/44 9. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
At present, it looks as though his place in England’s three-man midfield is assured. The worry is whether he can remain fit…
REUTERS
37/44 8. Jadon Sancho
One of the truly positive developments in the months since the 2018 World Cup. Already one of England’s most exciting players. Could yet become one of the best in the world. There is little chance he isn’t selected.
Getty Images
38/44 7. John Stones
It’s not beyond the realms of possibility he will lose his starting place to Tyrone Mings, particularly if his form continues to frustrate – but he’ll be in the squad at least.
Getty Images
39/44 6. Ben Chilwell
Has surpassed Danny Rose as England’s first choice left-back. Has been in fine form this season and will be hoping to announce his arrival on the international stage at Euro 2020.
Getty Images
40/44 5. Jordan Henderson
One of Gareth Southgate’s dressing room leaders and a certain pick.
Action Images via Reuters
41/44 4. Jordan Pickford
There is close to zero chance of him losing his place in England’s starting XI – let alone their 23-man squad.
REUTERS
42/44 3. Harry Maguire
England’s best defender on current form. A certain starter and an increasingly influential player.
Getty Images
43/44 2. Raheem Sterling
So long as he avoids scratching any more of his team-mates, England’s best player is likely to be named in the final 23-man squad.
Action Images via Reuters
44/44 1. Harry Kane
Come on. It would take either a horror injury or a fatal punch-up with Gareth Southgate for him to miss out.
Getty Images
“I played with him for the first time last night and we were speaking afterwards saying how much we enjoyed it.
“We were both want to keep the ball, keep it simple. To play with him last night and form that connection was good. It’s healthy.
“We were keeping the ball really well, they were sat in a good shape but when we brought Marcus [Rashford] on with Raz [Raheem Sterling], the game opened up and we showed our quality.”
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was the third midfield starter for England on the night, while the likes of Jordan Henderson, Mason Mount, Ross Barkley and Eric Dier have previously been fighting for those roles, as well as the out-of-favour Fabian Delph, Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard and the injured Ruben Loftus-Cheek.
It means there will be big decisions on the horizon for the manager when he names his final squad, making proven partnerships even more important.
In the wider context of the squad, Rice also backed the team as a whole to prove the doubters wrong about England’s ability to defend and progress deep into the tournament at Euro 2020.
“We get questioned a lot from the outside about our defensive qualities – it’s people’s opinion – but I think two clean sheets in two games have shown we are strong in defence.
“We can cut out the mistakes, we can go into 2020 being a strong team. I know, and the rest of us know, how good our centre-halves are.”
