Unleashing the Lions: Build the Ultimate England Lineup for Euro 2024 Qualifying Against Malta

As England gears up for their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign against Malta on Friday, the question on everyone's mind is what the starting XI will look like. The players have had a grueling season that included a mid-season World Cup, but they have two more matches to tackle before they can finally take a well-deserved break.

Gareth Southgate's team is on a mission to secure a spot in next year's Euros in Germany and they have upcoming matches against Malta and North Macedonia. The team comprises of 23 players, which includes Eberechi Eze from Crystal Palace, who has received his first call-up to the national squad.

Could Trent Alexander-Arnold make his debut for England? It remains to be seen if Gareth Southgate will take the opportunity to give the Liverpool player a chance to showcase his skills in midfield. Another possibility is playing Alexander-Arnold and John Stones in hybrid roles, which they have performed excellently in for their respective clubs, Liverpool and Manchester City. Additionally, questions remain about the inclusion of Harry Maguire in the starting lineup. Will Southgate opt for experimentation or stick with the tried and tested players? Use our interactive selector to create your ideal England starting XI to face Malta and share your picks with @SkyFootball on Twitter.

England's squad to face Malta and North Macedonia...

The defensive line is also stacked with impressive players, including Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool, Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace, Harry Maguire of Manchester United, Tyrone Mings of Aston Villa, Luke Shaw of Manchester United, John Stones of Manchester City, Kieran Trippier of Newcastle, and Kyle Walker of Manchester City. This group boasts a great mix of veteran leadership and youthful energy, making them a formidable force on the field.

Midfielders: The midfield is a strong suit of the England team, with a versatile mix of players who can create opportunities and control the pace of the game. Eberechi Eze has impressed in his first season with Crystal Palace, while Conor Gallagher has shown his potential with Chelsea. Jordan Henderson is a reliable presence in midfield for Liverpool, and James Maddison has been a key player for Leicester. Kalvin Phillips has earned plaudits for his performances with Leeds and has now earned a call-up to the national team, while Declan Rice has been a consistent performer for West Ham.

Forwards: England's attacking options are also impressive, with a mix of experience and youth. Phil Foden has emerged as a star player for Manchester City this season, while Jack Grealish has been a standout performer for Aston Villa. Harry Kane is one of the best strikers in the world and will be a key player for England, while Marcus Rashford has been in fine form for Manchester United. Bukayo Saka has shown his potential with Arsenal, and Callum Wilson has been a consistent scorer for Newcastle.

Follow England's Euro Qualifiers against Malta on Friday and North Macedonia next Monday with our dedicated match blogs across We digital platforms.