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Gareth Southgate has been told to start Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden in central midfield at Euro 2024.

That is the view of his former star Ashley Young, who has insisted that an attacking approach in Germany will give England their best chance of ending 58 years of hurt.

Southgate knows he has some big decisions to make regarding his line-up for Euro 2024
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Southgate knows he has some big decisions to make regarding his line-up for Euro 2024Credit: Getty

The Three Lions go into the European Championship this summer as one of the favourites, but it remains to be seen who will even be named in the line-up.

Southgate has to decide whether Arsenal star Rice will be deployed as a lone defensive midfielder, if Bellingham features in an advanced role and if Foden will be used as a winger.

But Young, who will be part of talkSPORT's Euro 2024 coverage, thinks the trio could guide England to European glory if they feature in central midfield together.

Giving his say on who should start in the middle of the pitch on the talkSPORT Breakfast Show, Young said: "I'm hoping we're going to go with an attacking formation with Declan Rice sitting.

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"I'd love to see Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham just in front of him.

"Just going to express [themselves], just going to show that England have got the attacking talent that they can beat anyone they come up against.

"So hopefully Gareth will do that, but he's got some tough choices to make.

"But I'm sure that if he goes with an attacking line-up - and the boys that are in-form - then I'm sure the boys can go out there and win the tournament."

Rice, Bellingham and Foden could all start in midfield for England at Euro 2024
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Rice, Bellingham and Foden could all start in midfield for England at Euro 2024Credit: AFP
Bellingham's Real Madrid recently knocked Foden's Manchester City out of the Champions League
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Bellingham's Real Madrid recently knocked Foden's Manchester City out of the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty
Southgate boasts a selection of world class talent at his disposal
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Southgate boasts a selection of world class talent at his disposalCredit: Getty

Young was then asked by co-host - and ex-Aston Villa teammate - Gabby Agbonlahor over who he would prefer to start at right-back between Kyle Walker and Trent Alexander-Arnold.

To which he remarked: "I wouldn't say I prefer, but Kyle Walker.

"Obviously he's experienced, but you can't fault the both of them, they're both fantastic players.

"And then you look at the question over the left-back, who's going to play left-back? For me, when Luke Shaw's fit, he's the number one left-back.

"But missing this big chunk of a season is hard, but as long as he's fit I would play him.

"And then you go centre-halves, to pick from there, players that are in form, some that aren't in form, some that play better for their country than they do for their club.

"[Eric Dier] has had a fantastic six months since he's gone to Bayern [Munich], so like I say, the manager is going to have a headache picking that squad, let alone picking that team."

This is how England could potentially start at Euro 2024 in Germany
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This is how England could potentially start at Euro 2024 in Germany

Meanwhile, David Beckham also spoke about England's prospects at Euro 2024 on talkSPORT this week, and waxed lyrical about key man Bellingham.

The iconic former England captain said: "It's not just the talent with Jude, it's about the way he is, the way he handles himself, he's a model pro that knows exactly what he needs to do.

"For someone that is so young to have the maturity that he has is incredible and I think him playing abroad has helped him with that.

"Now he's obviously at Real Madrid where the expectations are higher than most other clubs around the world and he's living up to those.

"It's great to see his smile, it's great to see the talent that he is and when he gets in that England shirt, we'll all be very happy as well."

UEFA EURO 2024: Favourites, venues, teams, key players and prize money. All you need to know ahead of the European Championship in Germany

England are expected to top Group C at Euro 2024, with Southgate's side to kick-off their tournament with a clash against Serbia on June 16.

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They will then face Denmark four days later, before pitting their wits against Slovenia on June 25.

Should they come out on top in Germany, it would be England's first major honour since winning the World Cup on home soil in 1966.

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