BBC Sport experts name likely England starting XI for Euro 2028
BBC Sport gathered expert predictions on which players will start for England at Euro 2028 in an article published on 22 September 2026, and invited readers to select their own XI using a selector on the page.
Euro 2028 is due to be hosted by England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland from 9 June 2028, and the experts' piece noted that the road to the finals begins now; England have a Nations League opener at home to Spain on Saturday. The article reminded readers that the Nations League does not offer direct qualification but can provide a secondary route, and that co-hosts must still earn their places in the tournament.
On goalkeeping and the right flank, the contributors generally backed Jordan Pickford — who will be 34 by the time Euro 2028 starts — while acknowledging James Trafford will push for the spot. Views differed at right-back: several experts said they would pick Trent Alexander-Arnold but questioned whether manager Thomas Tuchel trusts him, and at least one preferred Tino Livramento if he remains fit.
Central defence and full-back options drew a variety of selections. Jarrad Branthwaite was mentioned as a candidate to partner Marc Guehi at centre-back, with Nico O'Reilly named on the left. Other full-back names put forward as staking claims included Lewis Hall and Ben White, and Levi Colwill was offered as an alternative centre-back option by one contributor.
Midfield choices cited Adam Wharton as edging out Elliot Anderson in some predictions, with Declan Rice universally regarded as an automatic pick. Several experts highlighted Jude Bellingham's World Cup performances as decisive for his place in the side, while Myles Lewis-Skelly was named by one writer as the likely number six for Tuchel due to his physical profile.
Attack and squad depth were recurring themes. Contributors expected Harry Kane to lead the line in 2028; when Euro 2028 kicks off on 9 June in two years' time, England captain Harry Kane will be 34 years and 317 days old. Bukayo Saka was considered a near certainty on the right, and Rio Ngumoha was identified as a developing left-sided option who could be an England regular by 2028. Names discussed as contenders for attacking roles or squad places included Cole Palmer, Morgan Rogers, Morgan Gibbs-White, Anthony Gordon and the younger forwards Brian Madjo and Max Dowman.
Experts also set out likely bench and backup options. Alex Scott, Lewis Miley and Max Dowman were cited as possible squad additions pushing for spots, while James Trafford and Dean Henderson were listed as goalkeepers who might be given opportunities. The panel noted uncertainty at right-back, pointing out there have been nine different players to have started in that position since September 2024, and mentioned Archie Gray as one who could force his way into contention.
England's immediate schedule and the tournament timeline were emphasised as the next steps for the manager and squad: England host Spain on Saturday in their Nations League opener, and the qualifying and selection process will continue ahead of Euro 2028 starting on 9 June 2028.