The 2025 British & Irish Football Lions squad has been revealed! Featuring football stars like Harry Kane, John McGinn, Declan Rice, and more, this team is ready for a test series. Who else made the cut for this prestigious all-star selection?
The much-anticipated 2025 British & Irish Football Lions squad has been revealed, with a star-studded 22-player selection showcasing the finest footballing talents from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. This marks the footballing equivalent of rugby’s iconic British & Irish Lions team, which embarks on prestigious tours every four years. With Harry Kane leading the charge and John McGinn as captain, GOAL has picked an exciting, competitive squad for a hypothetical test series against the world’s best.
Goalkeepers: Solid Foundations
Jordan Pickford (England) claims the No.1 spot, with Caoimhin Kelleher (Republic of Ireland) ready to challenge and push for that starting position. Both shot-stoppers have earned their places through consistent performances at top clubs in the Premier League.
- Jordan Pickford (England)
- Caoimhin Kelleher (Republic of Ireland)
Defenders: The Backbone of the Squad
The British & Irish Lions feature some of the most versatile full-backs in Europe. Trent Alexander-Arnold, a genius on the ball, gets the nod, with Conor Bradley (Northern Ireland) serving as an exciting backup. In the left-back position, Myles Lewis-Skelly (England) brings potential, with Andy Robertson (Scotland) offering invaluable leadership and experience.
The centre-back pairing sees Levi Colwill (England) and Marc Guehi (England) step in, while Nathan Collins (Republic of Ireland), known for his aerial prowess, partners with Jake O’Brien (Republic of Ireland), a versatile defender.
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (England)
- Conor Bradley (Northern Ireland)
- Myles Lewis-Skelly (England)
- Andy Robertson (Scotland)
- Levi Colwill (England)
- Jake O’Brien (Republic of Ireland)
- Marc Guehi (England)
- Nathan Collins (Republic of Ireland)
Midfielders: The Engine Room
In the heart of the midfield, Declan Rice (England) brings authority and control, while Jude Bellingham (England), Cole Palmer (England), and Phil Foden (England) offer creativity, flair, and goals. Scotland’s Scott McTominay adds energy and dynamism, and John McGinn (Scotland), coming off a phenomenal season with Aston Villa, steps in as the squad’s captain—his tenacity and leadership making him the perfect figurehead for the Lions.
- Declan Rice (England)
- Jude Bellingham (England)
- Cole Palmer (England)
- Phil Foden (England)
- Scott McTominay (Scotland)
- John McGinn (Scotland) [Captain]
Forwards: Firepower and Versatility
Up front, the Lions have a star-studded attack. Harry Kane (England), the world-class No.9, leads the line, with Ollie Watkins (England) as reliable backup. Bukayo Saka (England), one of the Premier League’s brightest talents, takes up a position on the right wing, while Brennan Johnson (Wales) provides balance on the opposite flank. Anthony Gordon (England) and Eberechi Eze (England) will compete for the left-wing position.
- Harry Kane (England)
- Ollie Watkins (England)
- Bukayo Saka (England)
- Anthony Gordon (England)
- Eberechi Eze (England)
- Brennan Johnson (Wales)
Coach: The Perfect Fit
Although several national team coaches—Thomas Tuchel, Steve Clarke, Michael O’Neill, Craig Bellamy, and Heimir Hallgrimsson—are in the running, Lee Carsley, a former Republic of Ireland international and current England U21 manager, would make the ideal fit. With a proven track record of success and an attractive style of play, Carsley is seen as the unifying force for this group of players, making him the perfect candidate to lead the Lions.
- Lee Carsley (Coach)
The 2025 British & Irish Football Lions:
- Goalkeepers:
- Jordan Pickford (England)
- Caoimhin Kelleher (Republic of Ireland)
- Defenders:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold (England)
- Conor Bradley (Northern Ireland)
- Myles Lewis-Skelly (England)
- Andy Robertson (Scotland)
- Levi Colwill (England)
- Jake O’Brien (Republic of Ireland)
- Marc Guehi (England)
- Nathan Collins (Republic of Ireland)
- Midfielders:
- Declan Rice (England)
- Jude Bellingham (England)
- Cole Palmer (England)
- Phil Foden (England)
- Scott McTominay (Scotland)
- John McGinn (Scotland) [Captain]
- Forwards:
- Harry Kane (England)
- Ollie Watkins (England)
- Bukayo Saka (England)
- Anthony Gordon (England)
- Eberechi Eze (England)
- Brennan Johnson (Wales)
- Coach:
- Lee Carsley
