England football squad for March 2023: Projecting Gareth Southgate’s team for Euro 2024 qualifiers vs Italy, Ukraine
England begin their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign this month with a double header from big games against Italy and Ukraine.
Gareth Southgate’s future was put under scrutiny after falling out in the quarter-finals of the Three Lions World Cup in Qatar 2022, but the former defender has defied calls for his retirement as he tries to find a path to another major tournament.
Southgate’s return of a knockout finish at all three major tournaments during his tenure has given the 52-year-old a solid support base, but Euro 2024 is likely to be his swan song as England’s head coach.
Loyalty to specific players has been a key part of Southgate’s England strategy since taking charge in 2016, but he could refresh his options for the upcoming qualifiers.
The Sporting News takes a look at the options available to Southgate and the potential for a breakout star over the next 12 months.
MORE: How does Gareth Southgate’s England record compare to previous managers?
England football squad for March 2023
goalkeeper
Goalkeepers appear to be Southgate’s most direct calling for his first squad pick in 2023 Jordan Pickford remains as his No. 1 pick, backed by Nick Pope And Aaron Ramsdale.
The trio all traveled to Qatar, with Pickford less involved than in previous tournaments, but Everton’s shot-stopper is crucial for Southgate. Pope and Ramsdale are enjoying impressive domestic seasons with Newcastle United and Arsenal respectively and will be ready to put pressure on Pickford’s position.
Dean HendersonDue to his injury, Keylor Navas usurped him at Nottingham Forest and the Manchester United loanee faces a struggle to return to the international stage.
defender
Southgate opted to bring nine Arsenal-star defenders to Qatar Ben White later withdrawal from the squad for personal reasons.
The struggle to fit an excess of right-backs into Southgate’s plans remains a major talking point, with White now adding his name to the list after a stellar season in a full-back role for Arsenal.
Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier And Trent Alexander Arnold It is expected that all will be called next to White, but ReeceJamesRecent injury woes mean the Chelsea defender could be overlooked this time around.
Luke Shaw And Ben Chilwell are using the natural picks on the opposite flank John Steine‘ Returning from injury a timely boost for Southgate.
question mark over Harry Maguire stubborn England’s preparations for the World Cup, but Southgate stuck with the Manchester United defender despite his diminishing role at club level.
This squad could mark the first time Southgate is unable to represent Maguire and his alleged omission could have an impact on his future as United are reportedly looking to sell him this summer.
With space opening up for partner Stones, Southgate could look to reward players in good form in the Premier League with the Brighton & Hove Albion captaincy Lewis Dunk and Crystal Palace Marc Guehi both possible options. AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori will also hope for a call back.
midfield player
Jude BellinghamBorussia Dortmund’s steady rise during and since the World Cup has changed the picture in England’s midfield, with the Borussia Dortmund star now standing to the side Declan Rice.
However, the scope to shake things up in the engine room will be tempting for Southgate with injury doubts settled Jordan Henderson And mason mountain before the squad announcement.
Calvin Phillips‘Lack of football at Manchester City could see him left out with the Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse remind.
That lack of options could open the door to the potential for some international debuts with Liverpool Harvey Elliott and Brighton winger Solly March a lot of tip for a call.
Forward
It is expected that the majority of the forwards who traveled to Qatar will keep their places Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka And Raham Sterling all automatic picks for Southgate.
Marcus Rashford’s incredible form in 2023 should see him start against Italy, with Sterling possibly on the bench but his United team-mate Jadon Sancho doesn’t look ready to return to England just yet.
city duo Jack Grealish And Phil Foden have enough banked credit at Southgate to keep their places but the ongoing FA investigations Ivan Toney Southgate could dodge the Brentford hotshot over alleged betting offenses.
If Toney is overlooked, finding an in-form alternative to Kane could end up throwing the net wide with Arsenal Eddie Nketiah an option, although he’s uncapped at the senior level.
| player | Association | position | International caps | International destinations |
| Jordan Pickford | everton | GC | 50 | 0 |
| Nick Pope | newcastle | GC | 10 | 0 |
| Aaron Ramsdale | arsenal | GC | 3 | 0 |
| Ben White | arsenal | DF | 4 | 0 |
| Kyle Walker | man city | DF | 73 | 0 |
| Kieran Trippier | newcastle | DF | 40 | 1 |
| Trent Alexander Arnold | Liverpool | DF | 18 | 1 |
| Luke Shaw | man united | DF | 28 | 3 |
| Ben Chilwell | Chelsea | DF | 17 | 1 |
| John Steine | man city | DF | 64 | 3 |
| Lewis Dunk | Brighton | DF | 1 | 0 |
| Marc Guehi | crystal palace | DF | 3 | 0 |
| Jude Bellingham | Borussia Dortmund | MF | 22 | 1 |
| Declan Rice | west ham | MF | 39 | 2 |
| James Ward-Prowse | southampton | MF | 11 | 2 |
| Harvey Elliott | Liverpool | MF | 0 | 0 |
| Solly March | Brighton | MF | 0 | 0 |
| mason mountain | Chelsea | MF | 36 | 5 |
| Conor Gallagher | Chelsea | MF | 4 | 0 |
| Harry Kane | Tottenham | fw | 80 | 53 |
| Bukayo Saka | arsenal | fw | 24 | 7 |
| Raham Sterling | Chelsea | fw | 82 | 20 |
| Marcus Rasford | man united | fw | 51 | 15 |
| Jack Grealish | man city | fw | 29 | 2 |
| Phil Foden | man city | fw | 22 | 3 |
| Eddie Nketiah | arsenal | fw | 0 | 0 |
England Euro 2024 Qualifying – March 2023
England have two games to start their Group C season this month, with a trip to the legendary Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples on March 23, followed by a home game against Ukraine at Wembley three days later.
| contraption | Date | Location | Kick-off time (GMT/ET) |
| Italy vs England | Thu, March 23 | Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, Naples | 19:45 / 15:45 |
| England vs Ukraine | Sat, March 26th | Wembley Stadium, London | 17:00/13:00 |