Rio Ferdinand names the two stars Gareth Southgate MUST play alongside Declan Rice… and insists the midfield trio can take England to Euro 2024 glory

Rio Ferdinand has claimed England will win the Euros if two players start alongside Declan Rice. 

The Three Lions will seek to get one step better than Euro 2020 this summer with Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia grouped alongside them. 

And Ferdinand believes Gareth Southgate‘s men will win the big prize if Rice is partnered by two particular players in midfield. 

The former defender says Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham can be the difference makers for England. 

‘I’d play Declan Rice holding and I’d say to Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden, “Work it out you two, just go and do your thing, and win us the Euros”, Ferdinand told talkSPORT. 

England will seek to go one step better than Euro 2020 by winning the tournament

Ferdinand says Phil Foden and Jude Bellingham can be difference makers for the Three Lions

‘They win us the Euros if them two are allowed to have a bit of free rein in there, if we do that we win.’

Ferdinand, who was capped 81 times by England added: ‘They’re two great players who you let and just go and have a little bit of free rein and let them loose. 

‘You’ve got enough around them players to be able to supply others, score goals and be match-winners.’

Foden has so far had the season of his career and is spearheading Manchester City’s attempt to repeat last season’s treble. 

The 23-year-old has scored 22 goals, including a stunner against Bellingham’s Real Madrid in the Champions League this week, and provided 10 assists across all competitions. 

Meanwhile, Bellingham has taken LaLiga by storm since his £113million move to the Spanish capital last summer, with 20 goals and 10 assists. 

He scored a last-ditch goal as to earn England a 2-2 draw with Belgium last month.

England will get their Euros campaign underway against Serbia on June 16.