How England's squad compares to France's for Euro 2024
As another international tournament drifts into view, England supporters are dreaming of glory once more.
For the men's national team, it has been 58 years of hurt, disappointment and near misses, but Euro 2024 gives fans the chance to believe again. After reaching the final of the tournament three years ago and with a squad chock-a-block with talent, England will have the curse of being among the favourites this summer.
However, as was the case at the 2022 World Cup, France are one of the many sides that stand in England's path. They reached the final of the tournament in Qatar and also boast one of the most talented rosters in world football, including the best player on the planet in Kylian Mbappe.
If the Three Lions are going to bring it home, they may well have to get past a France side stacked with superstars. Here is how the two provisional squads compare...
While not a universally popular stopper, Gareth Southgate has been very clear when it comes to picking goalkeepers. Everton's Jordan Pickford has always been his number one choice regardless of club form, with the likes of Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope being given infrequent starts in the past.
Pickford will undoubtedly start this summer's tournament in Germany bar any late injury issues and the same can be said of France's Mike Maignan. The Milan stopper has established himself as the nation's first-choice goalkeeper since Hugo Lloris' retirement and has been a revelation in Serie A since his switch from Lille in 2021.
When it comes to goalkeepers, both nations have strong options, but even the most patriotic England fan would have to confess Maignan is the better choice.
If there is one weakness in England's squad, it's almost certainly at centre-back. John
Read on 90min.com
