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England’s preparations for Euro 2024 continue with testing friendlies against Belgium and Brazil, and there is still plenty of work for Gareth Southgate to do as he looks to finalise his plans for Germany.

However, the England boss does have injuries to key players to contend with. Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Luke Shaw, Reece James, Kieran Trippier, Marc Guehi and Callum Wilson are all unavailable for this squad. Bukayo Saka has now also withdrawn from the squad and captain Harry Kane and Jordan Henderson are doubts for the clash with Brazil.

It is far from an ideal situation for Southgate, but it does provide an opportunity for players on the fringes of the squad to make their claims and impress.

Most notably, the Brazil and Belgium contests may stage a straight shoot-out between Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins to make their claims to be Kane’s understudy this summer amid general consensus that there will be a place for only one of them in England’s Euro 2024 squad.

Saka’s withdrawal is likely to result in Phil Foden starting on the right wing, but should also present Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon, current outsiders to make the squad, with an opportunity to impress.

The same applies to Jarrad Branthwaite and Joe Gomez as well as Manchester United youngster Kobbie Mainoo following his late call-up.

Toney vs Watkins shoot-out for Euro 2024 spot?

Sky Sports News’ senior reporter Rob Dorsett:

“If Kane is absent against Brazil, it will be between Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney to lead the line for England against Brazil.

“It may well be that there isn’t room for three strikers on the plane to Germany this summer because Southgate can only name a squad of 23 players for the Euros.

“Can he fit three strikers into his squad? He hinted maybe that isn’t possible with only one spot available as back-up to Kane.

“Watkins is flying for Aston Villa right now. It’s the best season of his career with 22 goals and 10 assists this season in all competitions. He offers something a little bit different to Harry Kane and Ivan Toney. He’s not a traditional target man because he’s more mobile and finds the space. He’s also a great finisher.

“For Toney, he missed a huge chunk of the season because of the ban from the FA for breaching betting rules.

“So, this could be a huge opportunity for Toney and or Watkins to stake a claim. It could be a straight shoot-out.”

Merson: Southgate should test Palmer and Branthwaite in friendlies

Former England international Paul Merson believes the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium are the perfect chance to test the new faces in England’s squad.

“It’s unfair to bring in players like Palmer and Branthwaite and play them at Wembley alongside a lorry load of players with three or four caps each.

“If Palmer has a chance of going to the Euros, then play him with the likes of Kane, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham where they can get a bit of understanding between them.

“Everything goes through Palmer at Chelsea but that won’t be the case with England. He has to play in one of these friendlies to understand he won’t be touching the ball 100 times and get used to that.

“It’s a different game at the international level, especially for someone like him where he’s the star man at Chelsea. In my opinion, it’s too soon to see Palmer starting at the Euros having only a few caps.

“Jarrad Branthwaite has to play in both games to see where he’s at. At Everton, they play on the edge of their own box. Head it, block it, kick it away. They’re under the cosh for 75 per cent of the games you’re in.

“With England, you’re playing on the halfway line and dominating matches but against Brazil and Belgium you’re playing up against players who are electric and running in behind. How do you cope with it? These two good teams will come and have a go at England. He deserves to be in, he’s done well, but now we’ve got to see where he’s at.

“I know what Jordan Pickford can do, so we need a different goalkeeper to play the next two games just in case he gets injured. Aaron Ramsdale should play in both because he’s not going to play a lot of football between now and the end of the season.”

Mainoo eyeing Euro 2024 spot after England call-up

Kobbie Mainoo says a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad is the end goal after the Manchester United teenager’s whirlwind rise continued with a first senior call-up.

“It’s been a pretty mad couple of days,” Mainoo said. “Getting down here and realising that I was with the first team was amazing. I was shocked and happy and it’s been a whirlwind of emotions.”

Making his England debut is the next target as he tries to prove to Southgate that he is worthy of a place in Germany.

“Yeah, I think that’s the end goal for the season, to get into that squad,” Mainoo added. “But obviously I’ve got to focus on club football in the meantime, and hopefully that’ll figure itself out.”

Could Mainoo solve England’s midfield problem?

Sky Sports’ Zinny Boswell:

“Kobbie Mainoo has shown for Man Utd this season that he’s adept at playing in a holding role and as a box-to-box midfielder, but his best performances have come in those deeper positions. That suits England’s needs.

“Jude Bellingham has thrived as a No 10 for Real Madrid, with his 20 goals this season making him the most prolific midfielder in Europe. Declan Rice, meanwhile, has been best for Arsenal when given freedom to roam.

“It is the No 6 role which England have struggled to fill over the years. The problem dates back to the days of trying to fit Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes into the same midfield.

“Gareth Southgate’s most awkward issue is not having the chance to test out the injured Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield against top opposition before the Euros. This would’ve been the perfect opportunity and he would undoubtedly be his first choice.

“Perhaps now the door opens for Mainoo. The England manager appears to be in two minds about throwing the 18-year-old straight in, although his showing at Old Trafford on Sunday seems to have eased some of those concerns.

“Southgate considering Mainoo as a starter at the Euros seems like a long shot, though, despite the clamour for him to complete a midfield three of himself, Rice and Bellingham.

“The next two weeks are a chance for the Man Utd midfielder to make his case. If he continues to play this well, then it won’t be long before he is a starter for England.”

Follow England on Sky Sports’ digital platforms

Follow England‘s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium on Saturday and Tuesday on the Sky Sports website and app.

You can follow both games in our dedicated live match blogs, plus we’ll bring you all the best reaction and analysis after the games.

England’s fixtures before Euro 2024

Saturday March 23: England vs Brazil – kick-off 7pm

Tuesday March 26: England vs Belgium – kick-off 7.45pm

Monday June 3: England vs Bosnia and Herzegovina – kick-off 7.45pm

Friday June 7: England vs Iceland – kick-off 7.45pm

Euro 2024 key dates

Remaining qualifying dates
March 26, 2024: play-off finals

Final tournament
June 14, 2024: Euro 2024 opening game, Allianz Arena (Munich)
June 30 – July 2: Round of 16
July 5-6: Quarter-finals
July 9-10, 2024: Semi-finals
July 14, 2024: Euro 2024 final, Olympiastadion (Berlin)

England’s Euro 2024 fixtures

Sunday June 16 – Group C: Serbia vs England (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen – kick-off 8pm UK time)

Thursday June 20 – Group C: Denmark vs England (Waldstadion, Frankfurt – kick-off 5pm UK time)

Tuesday June 25 – Group C: England vs Slovenia (RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne – kick-off 8pm UK time)

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