Former Premier League boss names England XI that Southgate should pick in Euro 2024 opener – with debutant in defence

TIM SHERWOOD has revealed what his England starting XI would be this summer – and it includes a debutant in defence.

Gareth Southgate takes the Three Lions to Germany this summer for the European Championship.

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Tim Sherwood has named his preferred starting XI for England[/caption]

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Gareth Southgate is aiming to lead the Three Lions to glory in Germany[/caption]

He will be looking to go one better than their efforts at the Euros when they were beaten by Italy in the final on penalties at Wembley back in 2021.

The debate over what team Southgate selects has already begun with a number of question marks already hanging over a number of his regulars.

Now Sherwood has told Sun Sport what choice he would pick – and he is not afraid to give a fresh face an opportunity.

The former Tottenham and Aston Villa manager, 45, opted for long-time No.1 Jordan Pickford in goal.

And regular full-backs Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw also made the cut for the 1995 Premier League title winner with Blackburn.

John Stones is also in central defence, but his usual partner Harry Maguire fails to get in for Sherwood.

Instead, he believes that Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, 21, should be picked in favour of Harry Maguire.

The Toffees star has been linked with a host of top clubs after his impressive form this term.

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And after helping England U21s to European Championship success last summer, Sherwood is convinced he is the man to help the seniors push and achieve glory this year.

Meanwhile, Kalvin Phillips would be another casualty under Sherwood, with the ex-midfielder opting for a much more attacking line-up instead of the two holders.

Declan RIce would be sitting, but he would be joined by attacking duo Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish in the middle three.

However, Sherwood sprung no surprises with his choice of front three.

Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Man City’s Phil Foden would be starting either side of captain and England’s all-time top scorer Harry Kane.

The Three Lions begin their Euro 2024 campaign on June 16 against Serbia.

They then take on Denmark four days later before finishing their group fixtures with a clash against Slovenia on June 25.