As the anticipation for Euro 2024 intensifies, England’s squad is under the microscope, with discussions swirling around the starting XI.
However, the impact of the tournament’s “super-subs” cannot be underestimated. These players, emerging from the bench to turn the tide of a match, hold the potential to be game-changers for Gareth Southgate’s side in the England to win Euros odds.
In this article, we delve into the profiles of those poised to make a significant difference when called upon.
Conor Gallagher
While there is a chance that Conor Gallagher could start in midfield alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham, it seems more likely that the Chelsea midfielder will be used to make an impact from the bench by Southgate.
The 24-year-old was one of the Blues’ more consistent players last season, contributing five goals and seven assists in 37 Premier League outings and wearing the captain’s armband for the majority of the campaign with Reece James and Ben Chilwell both out injured.
Gallagher’s versatility in the midfield, with the ability to play both attacking and defensive roles, makes him a valuable player for England.
Cole Palmer
Cole Palmer has done more than enough to earn a starting berth for England at the Euros, but unfortunately for him, he has other in-form players like Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden to compete with.
The 22-year-old stunned pundits and fans alike with his scintillating performances for Chelsea last season, scoring 22 goals and registering 11 assists en route to being named the Blues’ Player of the Season and the Premier League Young Player of the Season.
Whether Palmer starts in Germany is a selection headache for Southgate, but it certainly isn’t a bad problem to have, and the young attacker can make an impact off the bench if that role he has to play at the Euros.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
A mixture of injuries and a lack of form have cost Trent Alexander-Arnold a regular starting place in the England squad for the last couple of years.
With Kyle Walker set to start at right-back and more conventional midfielders ahead of him in the pecking order, Alexander-Arnold looks resigned to the bench in Germany.
However, he is a solid option for Southgate to bring on at either full-back or in the centre of the park, and his stunning goal against Bosnia and Herzegovina will have helped his case for minutes at the Euros.
Jarrod Bowen
Jarrod Bowen seems to only be getting better each passing season. He had a career-best campaign for West Ham United in 2023-24, scoring an impressive 16 times and providing six assists in 34 games.
The 27-year-old won his eighth Three Lions cap in the 3-0 win over Bosnia, and although he had a relatively quiet night at St. James’s Park, Bowen has shown enough in the last year to earn a place on the plane to Germany.
The winger’s goals and assists for the Hammers last season suggest that he could make an impact for England off the bench should he be needed.
Ollie Watkins
Ollie Watkins is in the unfortunate position of competing with Harry Kane for the No.9 jersey, which is a fight he’s never going to win regardless of how good his form has been.
The 28-year-old scored 19 non-penalty goals for Aston Villa last season and registered a further 13 assists in 37 games for Aston Villa as the Midlands side qualified for the Champions League.
Having squad depth with such good form is a big part of why England are favourites ahead of the tournament, and the Three Lions are certainly a tempting choice if you have Euro 2024 free bets.
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