7 players who deserve England call-ups as Euro 2024 nears

England head towards Euro 2024 as one of the strongest nations around the continent.

While true tournament success remains elusive, Gareth Southgate now has a squad bursting at its seams with incredible talent. Stars like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka are primed to lead the nation at this summer's upcoming Euros, but a number of young players and outsiders are still hoping to be included this summer.

Here are the English players who deserve call-ups as Euro 2024 nears.

1. Ben White

White is enjoying a strong season / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

Ben White has taken advantage of injuries to a handful of English right-backs to boost his reputation with some fine form at Arsenal, recently being rewarded with a new contract.

The Gunners defender is unfortunate in that he's battling Southgate favourites Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier for a place in the squad, while Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James are also in the running depending on how they recover from their knocks.

White, who asked not to be considered for the March internationals, has only made four appearances for the Three Lions and hasn't been included in a squad since leaving the 2022 World Cup.

2. Ross Barkley

Barkley has enjoyed a renaissance at Luton / Warren Little/GettyImages

Hands up if you had a Ross Barkley remontada on your bingo cards for the 2023/24 season?

After his Chelsea spell fizzled out and a year in France with Nice, the former Everton midfielder has emerged reborn at Luton Town. Even with the Hatters battling against relegation, Barkley has earned plaudits for his mature play in central areas.

Competition for places may work against the 30-year-old, but there's no doubt he deserves another look from Southgate, having picked up the last of his 33 national team caps in 2019.

3. Dominic Solanke

Solanke has banged them in this season / Alex Livesey/GettyImages

How many strikers will Southgate take to Euro 2024?

That decision may end up playing against Dominic Solanke, but the Bournemouth striker has done his chances of inclusion no harm at all with his best scoring season in the Premier League.

Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins are nailed on to make Southgate's squad, but Solanke may need to outscore rival Ivan Toney to book a ticket on the plane. That said, he's doing everything he can right now.

4. Jarrod Bowen

Bowen is another outsider looking in / Vince Mignott/MB Media/GettyImages

Were he eligible for another country, West Ham's Jarrod Bowen would be a near certainty to play at Euro 2024.

However, the Irons forward has so much competition in wide areas that he may end up missing out despite enjoying his best goalscoring Premier League campaign of his career to date.

Bowen also offers versatility, having filled in up front for David Moyes regularly in 2023/24, but a hot end to the season is needed to guarantee the 27-year-old a place on the plane.

5. Joe Gomez

Gomez's versatility could be crucial / Visionhaus/GettyImages

Joe Gomez's case for a place at Euro 2024 is growing stronger with each passing week.

He may never have scored a professional goal, but the 26-year-old's versatility in being capable of performing equally well centrally and at full-back has seen him frequently utilised by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp so far in 2023/24.

Injuries can strike at any time during international tournaments, so having a player as malleable as Gomez - especially in defence, which is were England are weakest - could prove crucial.

6. Cole Palmer

Palmer has been an instant hit at Chelsea / Marc Atkins/GettyImages

There has been little to no adjusting period for Cole Palmer at Chelsea since last summer's transfer from Manchester City.

The wide forward is now the Blues' most important attacking player and has hauled Mauricio Pochettino's young team to points regularly throughout 2023/24.

His languid style and sharp eye for goal will definitely be utilised at an international tournament at some point - it's just whether Euro 2024 will come too soon in his development.

7. Kobbie Mainoo

Teenager Mainoo has quickly become crucial at Man Utd / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/GettyImages

Kobbie Mainoo has quickly become an integral first-team player for Manchester United.

His ease on the ball and quick feet have made the young midfielder undroppable under Erik ten Hag, but the teenager is still green in plenty of areas, particularly defensively.

Euro 2024 may come too soon with other established stars likely to be picked ahead, but Mainoo is a near certainty to be included in Three Lions squads for international tournaments in the future.