England have revealed the shirt numbers for their 26-man squad ahead of the European Championship this summer. Manager Gareth Southgate finalized his squad on Thursday, with notable omissions such as Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire missing out.
The Three Lions endured a disappointing send-off to the tournament, losing 1-0 to Iceland at Wembley on Friday night. They were booed off by the home fans, but their focus now shifts to their opening match against Serbia on June 16 in Gelsenkirchen, where they will aim to start their campaign for a major trophy since 1966 on a positive note.
England’s squad numbers have been revealed ahead of the European Championship.
The squad numbers were announced on Saturday morning, providing an intriguing insight into Southgate’s potential lineup choices and strategy for the tournament. Jordan Pickford retains the number one shirt, solidifying his position as England’s undisputed goalkeeper. His backups, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson, will don the numbers 13 and 23, respectively.
In defense, Kyle Walker and John Stones will don the numbers two and five, respectively. With Maguire’s absence, Marc Guehi is expected to partner Stones in central defense and has been assigned the number six shirt. Luke Shaw, if recovered from injury, will wear the number three shirt, while Declan Rice will don the number four.
Several key players have been assigned lower numbers, including Bukayo Saka (left), who will wear number seven.
Further up the pitch, Bukayo Saka has been given the number seven shirt, while Phil Foden will wear the number 11 jersey. Captain Harry Kane will lead the line with the number nine shirt, and Champions League winner Jude Bellingham will don the iconic number 10 shirt.
One of the most intriguing selections is Trent Alexander-Arnold’s number. The Liverpool star, known for his creativity and versatility, has been assigned the number eight shirt. This could indicate Southgate’s intention to deploy him in midfield rather than his natural right-back position. Alexander-Arnold will compete with Conor Gallagher (number 16), Adam Wharton (number 25), and Kobbie Mainoo (number 26) for a spot alongside Rice and Bellingham in midfield.
The squad numbers hint at potential starters in midfield for the Three Lions.
The remaining squad members have also been assigned their numbers. Kieran Trippier, a backup full-back, will wear the number 12 shirt, while Ezri Konsa, Lewis Dunk, and Joe Gomez will wear the numbers 14, 15, and 22, respectively. Ivan Toney, making his major tournament debut, has been given the number 17 shirt, with Anthony Gordon, Ollie Watkins, and Eberechi Eze wearing the numbers 18, 19, and 21, respectively.
Cole Palmer, rounding off the selections, will wear the number 24 shirt as he aims to push Saka for a starting spot. Alexander-Arnold, who came off the bench against Iceland, will be eager to showcase his creativity and impact in midfield, a role he often assumes for his country.
England are expected to face a stiff challenge against Serbia in their tournament opener, and Alexander-Arnold’s ability to unlock defenses could be crucial. While some starting spots appear secure, players like Gordon are pushing for inclusion in the starting lineup for the crucial first match.
Despite the disappointing send-off, Southgate remains focused and understands the importance of fan support. He acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and emphasized the need to stay calm and address the flaws before the tournament. With the squad numbers now revealed, the anticipation builds as England aim to conquer Europe this summer.