As we head toward Euro 2024, it’s safe to say England and France are probably the strongest teams that will feature at the tournament.
In the wake of Paul Merson’s comments┼ that only two French players would get into the England team, your friends at Football Fixtures have decided to put a joint 11 together. We’re aware this may cause a bit of controversy, but these are the sort of debates we as football fans live for!
Check out our England and France joint XI
Goalkeeper – Mike Maignan (AC Milan)
Despite having under 20 caps for the France senior side, Mike Maignan has established himself as a truly elite goalkeeper. With cat-like reflexes and a great command of his area, Maignan instils confidence in the defence in front of him. He’s also very handy with his feet and can be trusted to pick out a teammate with ease. Maignan gets the nod ahead of Jordan Pickford.
Right Back – Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
England are blessed with an abundance of talent at right back, with the likes of Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker and Reece James all representing incredible options. However, TAA simply has to get in the joint England and France XI. He’s such a creative outlet – with a wand of a right peg. It’s not a stretch to say Alexander-Arnold has somewhat revolutionised the right back position.
Centre Back – William Saliba (Arsenal)
One of the key factors of Arsenal’s title change, William Saliba has gone from strength to strength since first featuring for The Gunners in 2022. Described as a ‘Rolls Royce’ of a defender, Saliba has it all. Fantastic in the air, strong, quick, great positioning, and composed on the ball. We can see Saliba having a great career in the French backline for years to come.
Centre Back – John Stones (Manchester City)
Comfortable playing as a full back, centre back, or even in midfield, John Stones has wowed us all with his performances for Manchester City this season. We expect him to play a crucial role in Gareth Southgate’s side in the summer, his well-rounded skill set makes him one of the first names on the team sheet.
Left Back – Theo Hernandez (AC Milan)
For years now Theo Hernandez has threatened to deliver on his potential, having remained injury-free, the 26-year-old is now doing just that. He has pace to burn and from a technical standpoint, there are few full backs who can be compared to him. We believe he edges out competition from both Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell.
Centre Midfield – Aurelien Tchouameni (Real Madrid)
The task of protecting the back four goes to Real Madrid hotshot Aurelien Tchouameni. The 2000-born midfielder is very much a complete player, with no noticeable weakness in his game. Ranking amongst La Liga’s best for tackles, blocks and interceptions, Tchouameni has done an exceptional job at Los Blancos and has demonstrated maturity beyond his years.
Centre Midfield – Declan Rice (Arsenal)
With Tchouameni playing in the no.6 role, it would then allow Declan Rice to push on and have an impact further up the pitch. The former West Ham man has made no secret of his desire to score more goals, and lately he’s been on the scoresheet rather frequently for Arsenal. In addition to this, he’s showcased his creativity and ability to win duels, making him an important figure for Arsenal and England.
Centre Midfield – Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid)
What more can be said about this young man? Since joining Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham has been an absolute revelation. The 20-year-old is a perfect concoction of skill, athleticism, courage and industry. He’s also proved his capabilities in big games, scoring a brace in his El Clasico debut. Bellingham is a shoo-in for this team and like his teammate Tchouameni, is well on his way to becoming a Madrid legend.
Left Wing – Kylian Mbappe (Paris Saint-Germain)
Arguably the best player in the world currently, Killian Mbappe features in this team and there can be no argument. At just 25 years of age, Mbappe is PSG’s all-time top goalscorer and the scary thing is he can still improve. Dazzling defenders with his trickery and leaving them in the dust with his blistering pace, Mbappe is an absolute magician on the field. He is also the only player to score a hat-trick in a World Cup final since Geoff Hurst’s treble against Germany back in 1966. Simply wow 👏.
Right Wing – Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Now this was probably the toughest position to choose. The likes of Antoine Griezmann, Phil Foden and Ousmane Dembele are all in with a shout, but we’ve decided to go with Arsenal Starboy Bukayo Saka. The fleet footed wideman has been named England Men’s Player of The Year for 2021/22 and 2022/23, and continues to develop season on season. Having scored on his World Cup debut, we’re hoping Saka can step up again at the Euros and banish the memory of that missed penalty kick.
Striker – Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)
Since making the move to Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich, Harry Kane has been in lethal form, picking up from where he left off at Tottenham Hotspur. His devastating finishing makes him the standout candidate for the striker role in a joint England and France XI, although Frenchman Olivier Giroud is a fine player in his own right. Kane already possesses a World Cup Golden Boot after his exploits in 2018, and he’s set to impress once again at the upcoming Euros.
