How England could line up at Euro 2028 with Jude Bellingham captain and Pep Guardiola as manager

The UK and Ireland are set to be confirmed as hosts for Euro 2028 - so we've decided to look at what the England side could look like for the tournament.

Although an impending UEFA rule change may mean England have to qualify outright for the tournament (take a look at that here), it appears to be overwhelmingly likely that a Three Lions side will be lining up at Euro 2028.

What is also almost certain is that Gareth Southgate will not be England manager by that time. According to the Daily Mail, Southgate is set to leave his role after Euro 2024 - and the FA 'dream' of appointing Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola to replace him.

With that in mind, we've taken a look at what a Guardiola-led England XI could look like in just under five years' time.

Goalkeeper - James Trafford

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Jordan Pickford's performances for both club side Everton and his country have meant his role with England has never really been under threat in the past five years.

He will be 34 by the time Euro 2028 kicks off, although goalkeepers can usually play at a high level to older ages than outfield players.

Aaron Ramsdale and Nick Pope may still be hot on his shoulders by 2028, but another option could be Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.

An U21 Euros winner this summer, Trafford was signed by Burnley boss Vincent Kompany this summer and immediately installed as the Clarets' number one - in his first season of Premier League football.

There is room for improvement for the former Manchester City shot-stopper, but he is well regarded by Guardiola.

Defenders - Trent Alexander-Arnold, Fikayo Tomori, Levi Colwill, Rico Lewis

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Given Rico Lewis' rapid ascent at City under Guardiola, it would be a surprise not to see him at the Euros in 2028, regardless of the manager in charge.

Lewis' versatility and ability to move inside to central midfield would make him a valuable asset for the Three Lions. The same goes for Trent Alexander-Arnold, who will still be in his 20's during the tournament.

There is likely to be stiff competition at centre-back. AC Milan star Fikayo Tomori might finally get his chance to shine under Guardiola, having not had the game time he would have liked under Southgate.

And as a rare elite left-footed defender, Levi Colwill is the favourite to line up alongside his fellow Chelsea academy graduate.

Midfield - Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Kobbie Mainoo

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The England midfield will likely be spearheaded by Jude Bellingham, as captain, and Declan Rice, with both players featuring in key roles during the 2022 World Cup.

Guardiola may look at Bellingham's leadership qualities and install him as skipper, with Euro 2028 potentially the last time we see Harry Kane in a major tournament.

Alongside them, we've gone with Manchester United academy graduate Kobbie Mainoo, who can become a key player for his club by the time Euro 2028 rolls around.

Forwards - Bukayo Saka, Harry Kane, Phil Foden

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England's forward line, meanwhile, may not be blessed with as many options as in midfield.

But in Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden and Kane, England will have three players still at the top of their game, with Saka and Foden both still in their 20's.

Whether Foden finally finds his ideal position at City - or another club - by 2028 remains to be seen, but it would be a shock not to see him in the England squad.

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Other candidates

Ashley Phillips, Jarrad Branthwaite, Jarell Quansah, Tino Livramento, Harvey Elliott, Hayden Hackney, Alex Scott, Curtis Jones, Jobe Bellingham, Noni Madueke, Anthony Gordon, Jamie Bynoe-Gittens, Samuel Iling-Junior, Cole Palmer

Alongside the established players that will be vying for contention, we've looked at younger players that could make it into the squad.

Premier League fans may be unfamiliar with Ashley Phillips, with the 17-year-old yet to play a competitive fixture for Tottenham since signing from Blackburn in the summer.

But manager Ange Postecoglou has spoken highly of the centre-back, who could make his way into contention by 2028.

Jarrad Branthwaite, meanwhile, has established himself in the Everton team after a successful loan spell with PSV, and the tall left-footed Cumbrian an ideal option to provide cover for Colwill.

Liverpool trio Jarell Quansah, Harvey Elliott and Curtis Jones will hope to be in and around the England side, while Guardiola knows all about ex-City prospect Cole Palmer, now at Chelsea.

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Jobe Bellingham and Hayden Hackney are currently lighting up the Championship with Sunderland and Middlesbrough respectively, while Borussia Dortmund's Jamie Bynoe-Gittens and Juventus starlet Samuel Iling-Junior are two English players based overseas that could catch the attentions of Guardiola.

Don't forget the inevitable talents that jump off the Brighton production line, too.

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Topics: England, Pep Guardiola, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Bukayo Saka, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Declan Rice, Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester United, Real Madrid

Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.