The Debate: Which outsider should make England's Euros squad?

This summer's European Championships looms ever closer and talk of who will feature in Gareth Southgate's England squad is beginning to gain traction.

England are joint-favourites 7/2 with France to win Euro 2024, with hosts Germany third in the market at 6/1.

Southgate will be aiming for his side to go one further than they managed in the previous Euros and while the bulk of his Three Lions squad picks itself, there are one or two spots up for deliberation.

With competition for places so intense, there's likely to be a notable omission or surprise inclusion when Southgate announces his final squad in June.

Our Sports & Betting News Team debate which outsider should be included in Southgate's 23-man squad for the tournament.

Kobbie Mainoo will play for England for 15 years - Southgate must include him now

Liam Williams

Gareth Southgate has received more than his share of criticism during his tenure as England manager despite his relative success and much of it has been unfair. However, fans would be well within their rights to point the finger if either of Kalvin Phillips or Jordan Henderson get a ticket to Germany in the summer.

Henderson’s form was declining long before leaving Liverpool and the less said about his time in Saudi Arabia the better. His brief stint in the Netherlands with Ajax cannot be enough to demonstrate to Southgate that he’s one of the most suitable options.

Of course, players aren’t solely picked for what they can do on the pitch, and Henderson is surely a vocal leader in the dressing room, but it’s high time one of the next generation fills those boots.

Similarly, Phillips won’t have shown any sustained period of form at club level for two years by the time the Euros comes around, and ‘he never lets his country down’ isn’t an excuse when there are more suitable players to choose from.

One such player is Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo. You can argue it’s easier to stand out in a poor team; you can also argue coming that into that Manchester United team, dysfunctional from back to front, and being as good as he is at the age of 18 without a single senior start to his name before this campaign is a sign of elite potential.

Mainoo hasn’t looked remotely overawed since making the step up to senior level and he’ll look just as comfortable at international level when the call inevitably comes.

He’s got the rare profile of being able to play deeper alongside a sitting midfielder while also able to contribute higher up the pitch. His technical ability and style is reminiscent of a young(er) Phil Foden, particularly with the goal he scored against Wolves.

He has composure and awareness beyond his years, isn’t ever afraid to take the ball or carry it forward and can win the ball back. Mainoo is registering 3.01 tackles and interceptions per 90 and for context Rodri is averaging 3.07 and Declan Rice is averaging 3.38.

In the half-season we’ve seen from Mainoo, it’s clear to see he’ll be a regular part of England squads for the next 10 to 15 years and Southgate can do his successor a favour and blood him this summer in Germany.

Anthony Gordon has all the qualities to be a dependable figure for Gareth Southgate

Jaquob Crooke

Make no mistake, Gareth Southgate is spoilt for choice with the abundance of attacking riches at his disposal.

I’d like to think that the bulk of supporters agree that England’s front three for their opening encounter against Serbia should consist of Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane and Phil Foden.

As we have witnessed through recent major tournaments, squad depth is pivotal if you’re to make a real fist of progressing to the latter stages of the tournament and England, at some stage, are going to find themselves in a position where they need to inject some variety into their attack.

Anthony Gordon offers that.

There were question marks over Newcastle United’s outlay for an Everton academy product with temperament issues. But under the tutelage of Eddie Howe, Gordon is fulfilling his potential and has been one of the shining lights in an underwhelming Magpies campaign.

First of all, he can score and create goals. A return of nine goals and five assists demonstrates that.

Gordon’s not afraid to get a shot off, either. No Newcastle player has recorded more shots in the Premier League and his xG is only bettered by striker Alexander Isak.

His ability on the ball and impressive running power make him a nuisance for opposition defenders and better yet from a Southgate perspective, he’s demonstrated he is capable of operating from either flank and even down the middle.

If his versatility isn't attractive, then Gordon’s application when out of possession should swoon the England manager.

Howe expects a high-level of intensity from his players and Gordon has the engine to cope with his demands. He’s completed more sprints and applied more pressures than any other Newcastle player; he's even clocked the highest speed, to boot. Gordon ranks in the top six percent of attacking midfielders and wingers in the Premier League for successful tackles, although his miscellaneous record is one to be improved.

He works hard for his team, tracks back to help his full-back and has the stamina to maintain a persistent attacking threat. Whether England are looking to manage a lead or dissect an opposition defence, Gordon is an asset you would love to be able to turn too.

And if you were to judge their performances over the course of the current Premier League season, Gordon would offer considerably more than Marcus Rashford.

It will be interesting to see how he fares over the upcoming international break and if his knee injury doesn’t prevent his involvement in England’s two friendlies, then Gordon's price of 7/4 to make the finals squad is excellent value.