England's best starting XI against Serbia, with a surprise!

The countdown is over! England face Serbia on Sunday, 16 June, in their quest for a first trophy since 1966.

The 'Three Lions' have an abundance of talent in their ranks, but which players get into the starting 11 in their opening game?

Jordan Pickford has always been Gareth Southgate's number one, and with the injury to Nick Pope and the lack of playing time for Aaron Ramsdale, Everton's number one is the standout choice after another year of helping the 'Toffees' stay in the Premier League.

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Sky Sports reports Kyle Walker became the 17th Premier League-winning captain when Manchester City won the league on the 19th of May, and his experience and success will prove pivotal in the Championships for England.

Like Walker, Man City defender John Stones has been pivotal in City's success this season and developed into one of the best ball-playing defenders in the world. Stones has made over 70 appearances for England and is nailed in the starting 11 if fit.

With Harry Maguire ruled out of Euro 2024 through injury, The Sun believes Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi could become Stones' partner at centre-back. Guehi is looking to earn his twelfth caps for the Three Lions.

According to Sky Sports, due to Ben Chilwell's absence from the provisional squad and the injuries of Luke Shaw, Newcastle full-back Kieran Trippier is Southgate's best option, playing there several times during his club and international career.

Despite only being 18, Kobbie Mainoo is the perfect fit in the holding midfield role for England after a breakout year for Manchester United. Mainoo was Man of the Match in England's last friendly against Belgium and proved to be a composed head on the biggest of stages.

Declan Rice is one of the first names on the team sheet after his remarkable season with Arsenal. Rice has provided newfound stability in defense for the 'Gunners,' scoring seven goals and providing eight assists in the league. He is the perfect all-rounder.

In his first season at Real Madrid, 20-year-old Jude Bellingham has become the front-runner for the Ballon d'Or, scoring 19 goals and providing six assists in the league this season, according to Transfermarkt. His dynamic goal-scoring ability will be crucial for England in the summer.

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Phil Foden comes into the Euros off the back of winning the Premier League Player of the Year award, helping Man City win their fourth Premier League in a row. Southgate can play Foden anywhere, and he will still produce, scoring 19 goals in the league this season, per Transfermarkt.

Bukayo Saka has been Arsenal's go-to man all season long and is expected to start on the wing for England despite the sensational form of Jarrod Bowen for West Ham. Saka's goals (16) nearly led Arsenal to the league. Can he score the goals to lead England to the Euros?

The England team will be topped off by captain Harry Kane, the best striker in the world, who's scored 36 goals in 32 matches in the Bundesliga this season. Kane is England's record goalscorer (62) and is still after his first major trophy, Give Me Sport reports.

Gareth Southgate has named his 30-man training squad for the games against Bosnia and Iceland and will name his 26-man squad on the 7th of June. 

England's starting 11 is arguably the best team you can field in international football, but France, Germany, and Spain are all in with a shout at the finals this summer.

Can England win Euro 2024 with their new golden generation, or will it be heartbreak like their last Euros appearance in the final to Italy? 

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