Southgate's key selection dilemmas ahead of England squad announcement

Thursday's England squad announcement will give us a clear window into Gareth Southgate's thinking ahead of this summer's European Championship.

Friendlies against Brazil and Belgium later this month will be the final chance for players to impress for the national team before preparations to triumph in Germany begin.

We look at the key decisions facing the Three Lions boss across the field.

Who partners Stones?

Manchester City regular John Stones is nailed on to start England's Euro 2024 opener against Serbia — but who partners him remains unclear.

Harry Maguire has been the go-to man at previous tournaments and is probably favourite to do the same after resurrecting his Manchester United career this term.

But England are not short of other good options, with Lewis Dunk, Levi Colwill, Marc Guehi, Fikayo Tomori and Ezri Konsa all making the cut over the last year.

Chelsea star Colwill's left-footedness could see him edge the competition for a spot, while that attribute may also see promising Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite sneak in for the upcoming games.

Full-back problems

Southgate has had an embarrassment of riches at right-back for most of his tenure, now he is struggling to name more than one.

Both Trent Alexander-Arnold and Reece James are currently sidelined, as is the versatile Kieran Trippier — leaving Kyle Walker as the only sure pick.

Ben White is a potential answer as he continues to impress for Arsenal — though where he stands with Southgate is unclear after not featuring since leaving the World Cup early.

There are also problems on the left with both Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell injured again and usual deputy Trippier out of the mix.

That bolsters Colwill's hopes of inclusion after featuring there at times for Chelsea, with Rico Lewis another option to slot in despite his limited minutes for City of late.

Midfield loyalties tested

Southgate's loyalty to regular midfield presences Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips will once again be called into question if included.

Henderson has been reliable for Ajax since leaving the Saudi Pro League, while Phillips' has struggled during a loan to West Ham from City.

But injuries to their challengers may be enough to keep them in, with Curtis Jones denied his first chance in the senior squad.

Calls are increasing for Kobbie Mainoo, 18, to earn a spot after his superb United breakthrough and the friendly double-header could well be a good chance to test him out.

Rash decisions?

Marcus Rashford and Jack Grealish have been fixtures of Southgate's selections over the last two to three years, but the former has endured a tough campaign while the latter has barely played at all.

Cole Palmer and Jarrod Bowen have both been prolific this season and will fancy their chances of strengthening their grip on a Euros place if selected.

Meanwhile, Anthony Gordon is the unlucky one set to miss out after injuring himself against Chelsea with Southgate watching on Monday.

Kane's deputy

Southgate being limited to 23 players at the European Championship means it is likely only one striker other than Harry Kane will make the cut.

On current form, Ollie Watkins looks nailed to be that man after scoring 21 goals in all competitions for Aston Villa and providing a further 10 assists.

That is not to say the nine-cap international's place at Euro 2024 is certain and Dominic Solanke and Ivan Toney will stake their claim for a place between now and the summer.