FEATURE | 3 wildcards England boss Gareth Southgate should consider for Euro 2024 | OneFootball

Now that UEFA have confirmed that squad size for Euro 2024 will increase from 23 to 26, Gareth Southgate has a little more wiggle room.

There have been some real stand-out performers for Southgate to choose from this season. Jude Bellingham has taken to Real Madrid like a duck to water, Declan Rice has become an integral part of Arsenal’s title push, and Phil Foden is having the season of his life.

Still, Southgate has his favourites, and players like Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire will likely make the plane despite relatively disappointing campaigns.

England have a genuine opportunity to win their first trophy since 1966 this year, a few wildcards may make the difference. Here are GetFootball’s top three players Southgate should consider for Euro 2024.

3. Jadon Sancho: Manchester United/Borussia Dortmund

It’s fair to say Sancho’s move to Manchester United hasn’t worked out. The winger moved back to Germany after been frozen out by Erik ten Hag following a training ground bust-up.

The move back to Dortmund has rejuvenated him, the world can see he’s enjoying his football once again. His performance in his side’s 1-0 win against Paris Saint Germain has his name on many fan’s lips for a potential England recall.

Unfortunately for Sancho, even before his disastrous move to Manchester, Southgate never really fancied him. Now that Bukayo Saka has made the right-wing position his own, it would be an uphill battle for the 24-year-old to find a spot.

2. Fikayo Tomori: AC Milan

Since his move to AC Milan, Tomori has cemented himself as one of the best central defenders in Serie A, a league that prides itself on defence.

Despite that, he’s barely had a look-in for England. Southgate has consistently picked the likes of John Stones and Harry Maguire over Tomori, and although neither of those players have let him down, the ex-Chelsea man should be given more of an opportunity.

Centre-back isn’t exactly a position England are blessed in. If nothing else, Tomori could be used to alleviate some of the pressure on Stone and Maguire.

1. Cole Palmer: Chelsea

Who else? Anyone who says they expected Palmer to be having the season he’s having when Chelsea signed him is a liar. His ability was always undeniable, but the immediate impact he’s had is nothing short of remarkable.

He’s Chelsea’s top goalscorer with 21 Premier League goals so far this season but that’s not the whole story. Everything the 21-year-old touches turns to gold.

Given the season he’s had, Palmer should be a shoo-in for a spot on the plane, but England have a frankly ridiculous array of attacking talent. Even when Southgate did call him up, he barely got a chance. Southgate needs to unleash Cole ‘Cold’ Palmer.

Get Football | Alex Roberts