CHRIS SUTTON has named his preferred England line-up for Euro 2024 – and there are some notable absentees.
The former Three Lions star wants Gareth Southgate to pick an attacking side with Declan Rice his only defensive midfield pick.
Sutton, 50, dismissed an argument for Kalvin Phillips to start because he has barely featured for Manchester City since joining last year.
The pundit also left out Manchester United star Marcus Rashford amid the forward’s stuttering form.
Rashford has just one Premier League goal this season so Sutton has opted for Phil Foden instead, with Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane making up his front three.
Sutton has been more adventurous with his midfield trio – opting for the attacking pair of Jude Bellingham and James Maddison.
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Explaining his decision to leave out Phillips, Sutton told the It’s All Kicking Off podcast: “I do not, in any way, shape or form, understand this continued argument for Kalvin Phillips.
“Nothing against Phillips, but how on earth can England go into a major tournament and play somebody who is very unlikely to play for Manchester City, or certainly will not play regular football?
“England will want to go into a tournament and win a tournament with a guy who hasn’t kicked a ball in the best part of two seasons.
“That is a risk too big to take for Gareth.”
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Sutton also name Lewis Dunk as his choice to partner John Stones despite the fact the Brighton defender has failed to make a competitive appearance for England.
He also picked Jordan Pickford in goal with Kyle Walker and Luke Shaw full-backs.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
