Betting site produces the ‘perfect’ England squad for Euro 2024; Ross Barkley in, Kobbie Mainoo out
BetMGM picked Three Lions squad based on stats
Sports betting site BetMGM has produced the ‘perfect’ 24-man squad for England’s Euro 2024 campaign, and there were a few surprises. Head coach Gareth Southgate is currently contemplating on naming his team that will compete at the upcoming championship in Germany, and could be helped by the list.
Based on Opta’s Premier League stats, BetMGM has deduced that Luton Town star Ross Barkley deserves a place in the Three Lions squad. The midfielder has enjoyed a good run with the Tangerines this season, contributing seven goals in total. He has also created over 30 chances, mustered over 30 shots and attempted over 30 tackles since December, showcasing his brilliant all-round game.
However, the 30-year-old hasn’t played for England’s national team since 2019. His last appearance for the side came in October 2019 against Bulgaria in a Euro 2020 qualifier, wherein Barkley netted twice and registered one assist too.
Additionally, Ben White has been named in the squad too, with the Arsenal defender also impressing this season. He’s netted twice and assisted four times so far, with only Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold (12 each) the defenders with more goal involvements than White. But the problem is, he hasn’t played with the England squad since 2022 after walking out of the national team midway through the last World Cup.
It’s not clear why White has turned down national team call-ups, but Southgate has said that he’s open to having the defender back in the fold.
England struggling ahead of Euro 2024
The Euro 2024 is less than three months away, and England are struggling for form right now. The Three Lions haven’t won their last three matches, drawing twice and losing once. This includes a 1-1 draw to North Macedonia in their final Euro qualifier last November, before the 1-0 defeat to Brazil and 2-2 draw with Belgium this month. Gareth Southgate will surely be concerned, and needs to revive his squad sooner rather than later, as England aim to lift their first ever European title.
The full England squad based on stats
Goalkeepers
Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Nick Pope
Defenders
Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben White, Kieran Trippier, Lewis Dunk
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice, James Maddison, Conor Gallagher, Ross Barkley
Forwards
Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon, Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins