Gareth Southgate has been told to start Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in midfield if he wishes to win Euro 2024.
That is the view of his former star Ashley Young, who has insisted that an attacking approach in Germany will end 58 years of hurt for England.
The Three Lions go into the European Championship this summer as one of the favourites, but it remains to be seen who will even be named in the line-up.
Southgate has to decide whether Arsenal star Rice will be deployed as a lone defensive midfielder, if Bellingham features in an advanced role and if Foden will be used as a winger.
But Young, who will be part of talkSPORT’s Euro 2024 coverage, thinks the trio could guide England to European glory if they feature in midfield together.
Giving his say on who should start in the middle of the pitch on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show, Young said: “I’m hoping we’re going to go with an attacking formation with Declan Rice sitting.
“I’d love to see Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham just in front of him.
“Just going to express [themselves], just going to show that England have got the attacking talent that they can beat anyone they come up against.
“So hopefully Gareth will do that, but he’s got some tough choices to make.
“But I’m sure that if he goes with an attacking line-up – and the boys that are in-form – then I’m sure the boys can go out there and win the tournament.”
Young was then asked by co-host – and ex-Aston Villa teammate – Gabby Agbonlahor over who he would prefer to start at right-back between Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
To which he remarked: “I wouldn’t say I prefer, but Kyle Walker.
“Obviously he’s experienced, but you can’t fault the both of them, they’re both fantastic players.
“And then you look at the question over the left-back, who’s going to play left-back?
“For me, when Luke Shaw’s fit, he’s the number one left-back.
“But missing this big chunk of a season is hard, but as long as he’s fit I would play him.
“And then you go centre-halves, to pick from there, players that are in form, some that aren’t in form, some that play better for their country than they do for their club.
“[Eric Dier] has had a fantastic six months since he’s gone to Bayern [Munich], so like I say, the manager is going to have a headache picking that squad, let alone picking that team.”
England are expected to top Group C, with Southgate’s side to kick-off their tournament with a clash against Serbia on June 16.
They will then face Denmark four days later, before pitting their wits against Slovenia on June 25.
Should they come out on top in Germany, it would be England’s first major honour since winning the World Cup on home soil in 1966.
News Summary:
- Ashley Young names the England midfield trio for Euro 2024 that will end 58 years of hurt for the Three Lions
- Check all news and articles from the latest Football updates.