England football squad for March 2023: Projecting Gareth Southgate's team for Euro 2024 qualifiers vs Italy, Ukraine
England begin their Euro 2024 qualification campaign with a double header of big matches this month, up against Italy and Ukraine.
Gareth Southgate's future was under scrutiny following the Three Lions' World Cup quarterfinal exit at Qatar 2022, but the former defender resisted calls to resign as he looks to plot a path towards another major tournament.
Southgate's return of a knockout place at all three major tournaments during his tenure has won the 52-year-old a solid base of support, but Euro 2024 is likely to be his swansong as England head coach.
Loyalty to certain players has been a key part of Southgate's England strategy since taking charge in 2016 but he could freshen up his options for the upcoming qualifiers.
The Sporting News takes a look at the options available to Southgate and the potential for a breakout star in the next 12 months.
England football squad for March 2023
Goalkeepers
Goalkeepers appear to be Southgate's most straightforward call for his first squad pick of 2023, with Jordan Pickford remaining as his No.1 choice, backed up by Nick Pope and Aaron Ramsdale.
The trio all travelled to Qatar, with Pickford less involved than in previous tournaments, but the Everton shot-stopper is crucial for Southgate. Pope and Ramsdale are enjoying impressive domestic seasons with Newcastle United and Arsenal respectively and will be ready to put pressure on Pickford's position.
Dean Henderson's injury has seen Keylor Navas usurp him at Nottingham Forest, and the Manchester United loanee faces a battle to get back onto the international scene.
Defenders
Southgate opted to take nine defenders to Qatar with Arsenal star Ben White later withdrawing from the squad due to personal reasons.
The battle to fit an excess of right-backs into Southgate's plans continues to be a major talking point, with White now adding his name to the list after a standout season in a full-back role for Arsenal.
Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold are all expected to be called up alongside White, but Reece James' recent injury issues could see the Chelsea defender overlooked this time.
Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell are the natural picks on the opposite flank with John Stones' return from injury a timely boost for Southgate.
Question marks over Harry Maguire dogged England's preparations for the World Cup, but Southgate stuck by the Manchester United defender despite his declining role at club level.
This squad could be the first time where Southgate is unable to make a case for Maguire, and his rumoured omission could impact his future, with United reportedly looking to sell him this summer.
With a space opening up to partner Stones, Southgate could look to reward players in good form in the Premier League, with Brighton & Hove Albion captain Lewis Dunk and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi both potential options. AC Milan's Fikayo Tomori will also hope for a recall.
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham's continued rise during and since the World Cup has changed the picture in England's midfield, with the Borussia Dortmund star now first choice alongside Declan Rice.
However, the scope to shake things up in the engine room will be tempting for Southgate, with injury doubts over Jordan Henderson and Mason Mount ahead of the squad announcement.
Kalvin Phillips' lack of football at Manchester City could see him left out with Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse recalled.
That lack of options could open the door to the potential for some international debuts with Liverpool's Harvey Elliott and Brighton winger Solly March heavily tipped for a call-up.
Forwards
The majority of forwards who travelled to Qatar are expected to keep their places with Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka and Raheem Sterling all automatic picks for Southgate.
Marcus Rashford's incredible form in 2023 should see him start against Italy, with Sterling potentially on the bench, but his United teammate Jadon Sancho does not look ready for an England return yet.
City duo Jack Grealish and Phil Foden have enough credit in the bank with Southgate to keep their spots, but the ongoing FA investigation into Ivan Toney over alleged betting offences could see Southgate sidestep the Brentford hotshot.
If Toney is overlooked, the search for an in-form alternative to Kane could see the net cast wide, with Arsenal's Eddie Nketiah an option despite being uncapped at senior level.
England Euro 2024 Qualifiers — March 2023
England face two games this month to kick off their Group C campaign, with a trip to the iconic Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in Naples on March 23 followed by a home fixture against Ukraine at Wembley three days later.
