And Southgate has dropped a major hint over how Liverpool star Alexander-Arnold will be used to Germany. The 25-year-old was deployed in midfield against Bosnia last Monday, but has also been touted to cover the right-back position where Kyle Walker is expected to start.

But being handed the No.8 jersey indicates that the Liverpool man will instead feature from the start in a playmaking midfield role. With Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice also seemingly nailed on, it makes for an enticing trio to supply Harry Kane and co.

Alexander-Arnold was introduced just after the hour mark against Iceland, and added an extra dimension to a lacklustre home display. However, despite going close in injury time, he was unable to prevent a deflating defeat courtesy of Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s low shot after 12 minutes.

And many will now believe they have a clearer picture of Southgate’s overall XI against Serbia, with Jordan Pickford inevitably handed the No.1 shirt. But intriguingly, Luke Shaw will wear No.3, suggesting he will be in line to be first-choice left back despite his injury plagued season.

Marc Guehi has also been given the No.6, a hint that he will be favoured to partner John Stones in the centre of defence. Bukaya Saka and Phil Foden are others who will wear one of the first 11 shirts.

After their opening clash, England face Denamrk in Frankfurt on Thursday, June 20. They concluded the group against Slovenia on Tuesdau, June 25 in Cologne.

Southgate was defiant in the aftermath of the Iceland defeat, arguing game time for certain players was as important as the result.

“A lot of players physically needed the game, players that were short of minutes coming into the camp but even the players who have played a lot this season and haven’t now played for a fortnight,” he said.

“I think getting the minutes under the belt was important tonight as well.”

England’s Euro 2024 Squad Numbers: 1 Jordan Pickford, 2 Kyle Walker, 3 Luke Shaw, 4 Declan Rice, 5 John Stones, 6 Marc Guehi, 7 Bukayo Saka, 8 Trent Alexander-Arnold, 9 Harry Kane, 10 Jude Bellingham, 11 Phil Foden, 12 Kieran Trippier, 13 Aaron Ramsdale, 14 Ezri Konsa, 15 Lewis Dunk, 16 Conor Gallagher, 17 Ivan Toney, 18 Anthony Gordon, 19 Ollie Watkins, 20 Jarrod Bowen, 21 Eberechi Eze, 22 Joe Gomez, 23 Dean Henderson, 24 Cole Palmer, 25 Adam Wharton, 26 Kobbie Mainoo.