As the dust settles on what was an intriguing end to the Premier League season at both the top and bottom end of the table in the final weeks, the focus for many has quickly switched to Euro 2024.
With the countdown continuing until the highly-anticipated major tournament in Germany, here are four England players in different positions who thrived in the Fantasy Premier League (FPL) and can shine this summer for the Three Lions.
Pickford And Walker Key For England
Finishing the FPL season with 153 points, Jordan Pickford was selected by 16.3% of players. England, who are 3/1 favourites with a bet on Euro 2024 to lift the trophy this summer, relied on Pickford at the last European Championship on their way to the final. Those considering the Three Lions to reach the final in Berlin this time around can use an odds calculator to get the best returns from backing Gareth Southgate’s side. Pickford looks set to be the first-choice keeper for Southgate again this summer and his efforts with Everton would certainly justify his selection.
Pickford’s price at the end of the season was only 4.8 in FPL and another bargain signing was Manchester City’s Kyle Walker at 5.5. The former Sheffield United and Tottenham Hotspur star helped City land a groundbreaking fourth consecutive top-flight title this season. Finishing the FPL campaign with 123 points, despite battling with injuries during the campaign, represented a good return for Walker. Set to be an experienced figure in the England defence at Euro 2024, the 34-year-old is looking to have a big summer in what is set to be his last European Championship.
Bowen And Watkins Can Make The Most Of Chances
While these are two players who are unlikely to be first-choice selections for Southgate, both Jarrod Bowen and Ollie Watkins can have strong tournaments if given a chance. Looking at their FPL stats for the 2023/24 season, there is every reason to suggest these players can have an impact for the Three Lions at Euro 2024. Despite a disappointing season for West Ham United, Bowen impressed for the Hammers and finished on 182 points. Selected by 12.1% of players, Bowen was a goalscoring threat from midfield and a bargain option compared to some of the bigger names at the clubs battling for Champions League places.
In attack, Watkins enjoyed his best season in the Premier League and was a key reason why Aston Villa defied the odds and will be playing Champions League football next term. Watkins was the highest scoring forward in the FPL for the 2023/24 season with an impressive 228 points. His ability to score points did not go unnoticed, with 35.9% of players selecting him by the end of the season. Watkins is now pushing for action at Euro 2024 and will be battling with skipper Harry Kane for time on the field. If Kane picks up a knock or Southgate wants to change things up, Watkins has the quality to bring something different in attack for England.
It’s set to be an exciting summer at Euro 2024, with England looking to go one better than their runners-up spot at Euro 2020. Considering their scores in FPL, Pickford, Walker, Bowen and Watkins are all players to look out for in Germany.
