"Go for goals" - Ex-Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere names England starting XI for Euro 2024 opener against Serbia
Former Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere has named his preferred Three Lions starting XI to face Serbia in their opening game at Euro 2024. The former Gunners star has also urged the team to go for goals in the match to set a tone for the competition.
The 32-year-old, who has 34 national caps, believes his home nation has the team to beat the Serbs in Gelsenkirchen on June 16 and hopes they do so send out a strong message.
Speaking with the Sun, the English midfielder who had stints with the Gunners, West Ham United, and Bournemouth insisted the team head into the game looking to dictate proceedings. Wilshere said:
"It wasn’t that long ago we were saying we didn’t have the Spanish-type of players who can dominate the ball, now we have. So let’s try to utilize that, dominate the ball, and go for goals."
The former Arsenal man picked a strong lineup to face Serbia, naming, Jordan Pickford; Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Kieran Trippier; Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham; Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, and Harry Kane.
England star Adam Wharton confident of abilities heading into Euro 2024
England and Crystal Palace midfielder, Adam Wharton is looking forward to playing for his nation at Euro 2024. Despite his youth, the confident Lancashire-born playmaker believes he has what it takes to make a difference at the tournament.
Speaking to the press in the build-up to the Three Lions opening game against Serbia, Wharton said (Eurosport):
"There are still players that have been in the team for a long time and some top young players in the team... I think it's good to have that little mix, If you're good enough, you're old enough. It's a surreal feeling."
"Honestly, I wasn't expecting it. Just a dream come true. Every kid who grows up playing football wants to play in the Premier League and play for their country.
The Blackburn Academy graduate concluded:
"I got to play for the team I supported to begin with, really enjoyed that and then it has continued since. Moving to the Premier League, now here, so it's all been very fast but I wouldn't want it any other way. I have really enjoyed the last six months and I just want to keep playing, getting better."
The Three Lions will hope they have a good tournament and end their nearly six-decade-long wait for silverware at Euro 2024.