England’s squad for the Euros 2024 showcases a significant presence of players who began their careers in the English Football League (EFL) or National League.
Out of the 26 players selected by Gareth Southgate, 19 have their roots in clubs below the Premier League. Including Tom Heaton, the count reaches 20.
If Southgate had chosen his squad solely from the EFL based on the 2023/24 season, Hull City would have had notable representation.
Data from the latest EFL season was analyzed to create an optimal starting XI and reserves for the England squad.
Goalkeeper: Carl Rushworth (Swansea City)
Carl Rushworth, on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion, has been a standout in the Championship. His ability to intercept danger and his skills with the ball at his feet make him ideal for a team that plays out from the back. Rushworth was fourth in saves per 90 minutes (3.1) and second in passes per 90 (42.7). While Rushworth would have been a fantastic choice, betting fans can take advantage of the Betano sign-up offer to place their bets on Euro Cup goalkeepers.
Former Hull City stopper Ryan Allsop, who recently moved to Birmingham City, surpassed Rushworth in passes per 90 (50.9). Bradley Collins from Coventry City led in saves per 90 (3.6) among the available options for Southgate.
Centre-Backs: Taylor Harwood-Bellis (Southampton) and Jacob Greaves (Hull City)
Harwood-Bellis led English defenders with 94.9 passes per 90, while Greaves was third with 78.0 passes per 90. Greaves also excelled defensively, ranking high in tackles and headers won per 90, making him a formidable presence at the back.
Dan Ballard from Sunderland and Kyle Bartley from West Bromwich Albion bring experience and toughness. Ballard made 1.2 tackles per 90 and Bartley cleared the ball 3.5 times per 90 last season.
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Full-Backs: Kyle Walker-Peters (Southampton) and Leif Davis (Ipswich Town)
Walker-Peters, a key player for Southampton, was among the top for dribbles and was rarely dribbled past. Davis created the most chances and assists among full-backs in the Championship.
Darnell Furlong from West Bromwich Albion, James Justin from Leicester City, and Ethan Laird from Birmingham City add depth.
Laird led in headers per 90 and interceptions, while Furlong was notable for blocked shots and minimal possession losses.
Midfield: Ben Sheaf (Coventry City) and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Leicester City)
Sheaf dominated tackles per 90 (3.4), taking on a defensive midfield role, while Dewsbury-Hall excelled in creating chances and providing assists, crucial for a balanced midfield.
Flynn Downes from Southampton was prolific in passing, and Jack Rudoni from Huddersfield Town, a versatile midfielder, topped dribbles per 90 and was strong defensively.
Attacking Midfield: Conor Chaplin (Ipswich Town)
Chaplin’s 13 goals and eight assists make him a key player. His defensive contributions also highlight his all-around capabilities. Jay Stansfield from Birmingham City, despite Birmingham’s relegation, scored 12 goals and provided two assists, showcasing his potential in various attacking roles.
Wingers: Jack Clarke (Sunderland) and Morgan Whittaker (Plymouth Argyle)
Clarke led in dribbles per 90 and contributed significantly with 15 goals and four assists. Whittaker, with 19 goals and eight assists, was a force from the right flank.
Isaiah Jones from Middlesbrough, Jonathan Rowe from Norwich City, Stephy Mavididi from Leicester City, and Jaden Philogene from Hull City each offer unique skills. Philogene was notable for his dribbling and scoring abilities, while Jones made the second-most tackles for wingers per 90.
Striker: Adam Armstrong (Southampton)
Armstrong, the top English scorer in the Championship with 24 goals, also provided 13 assists. His movement and finishing ability make him the first choice. Patrick Bamford from Leeds United had the highest xG per 90 (0.67), offering a different attacking option. Bamford’s greater size and hold-up play complement Armstrong’s pace and finishing, providing a versatile approach to England’s attack.
Summary
The depth and quality of players from the EFL highlight the league’s competitiveness. The talent emerging from these levels offers great potential for clubs looking for reinforcements without paying the premium for top-tier players. The inclusion of EFL players in England’s Euros 2024 squad emphasizes the significant role these leagues play in nurturing future stars.
