Markus Babbel describes Harry Maguire as one of the greatest sports stars and names his favourite England players

In the third part of a Ladbrokes: Fanzone exclusive, Markus Babbel picked out some of his favourite players from the England squad ahead of Euro 2024 and discussed Harry Kane’s impact at Bayern Munich.

In part one, the Euro 96 winner talked about the Reds’ best player this season and the team he believes will win the Premier League, while in part two Babbel gave his forthright views on Germany’s national team and the Three Lions’ prospects next summer.

John Stones the best central defender

England are one of the most exciting teams heading to the Euros because they have so much quality. The mix of experience and youth is brilliant. If I were in Gareth Southgate’s shoes, of course Harry Kane would be in my front three. After that, it will depend on who is in form. There are so many top players like Saka, Grealish, Foden, Rashford, etc. Now Southgate needs to choose who is in the best form and who can bring the best to the team. It’s not easy for a manager but that is his job.

For me, John Stones is the best centre-back. I love him. He’s not only a great defender, but can also play in midfield. That shows me he can play football. He’s not only defending, but he plays forward, and I love how he plays.

Harry Maguire is one of the greats

Harry Maguire is a legend and a role model. He is an inspiring person. He never lets himself get down, which for me is unbelievable. Hats off to him. He had to put up with so much and for me he is one of the greatest sports stars ever. What he went through was not normal and he is still alive and still doing his job. Of course, he can make mistakes, but he is playing solid and doing a good job.

Gareth Southgate has a problem in picking between three superstars. Kyle Walker is a class right-back, Kieran Trippier is also a superb right-back, so that will be challenging. I love Trent Alexander-Arnold, but Southgate may have a different view and prefers Walker/Trippier. I don’t know. The good thing is, he has three top players to chose from. It doesn’t matter who he picks, they are all top class.

Harry Kane is the best competitor and Bayern fans love him

Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, and Man City are the favourites to win the Champions League in my eyes, but there is a long way to go. The final is in a half a year so a lot of things can happen in that period. Injuries, loss of form, etc… so it’s difficult to say one name. Perhaps there is a team in there like Inter Milan. Nobody had them down as potential champions and they nearly did it. In the end, you need luck on your side to win.

I think Harry Kane is the best competitor you can have and the Bayern Munich supporters love him. He is a superstar, but a normal one! He’s not the special one, he is the normal one. He could live like a superstar if he wanted and nobody would criticise that, but the people love how normal and friendly he is. He is such a gentleman and that is why he is so loved by the club. I think this was one of the best transfers Bayern have done in the last number of years.