Gary Lineker believes England are 'rightly favourites' along with France to win Euro 2024 this summer.
And the Match of the Day presenter also believes Phil Foden has to start for the Three Lions after a sensational season for Manchester City.
Southgate will name his provisional squad for the tournament in Germany today, with England hoping to win a first major trophy since 1966.
They came agonisingly close to winning Euro 2020 three years ago, only to miss out on the prize to Italy after a dramatic penalty shootout.
England then made the quarter-finals of the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.
And Lineker, speaking to William Hill, believes Southgate's side are capable of going all the way this summer.
“I think England are rightly favourites along with France, but there are other good teams in there as well," he said.
“If you keep knocking at the door, eventually it will open.
"With a bit of luck, England can go all the way. And if not, they can try again in two, four, six years’ time because this team will still be around.
“You’ve got the likes of Harry Kane, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Cole Palmer – who might be the best of them all, he’s been unbelievable this season. What a lovely choice to have!
“It’s exciting. England have got a staggering bunch of players, right throughout the team.
"We know in tournaments it’s not about the starting XI, it’s about your squad – because the team that starts isn’t the team that finishes.”
One player guaranteed to be in the squad is Foden.
The England international was recently named Premier League Player of the Season after shining for City as they won the title for the fourth year in a row.
Foden has, in the past, been deployed on the wings by Southgate.
Yet he seems more comfortable playing as a No 10.
And Lineker thinks Foden must start for England at the Euros this summer as they look to end 58 years of hurt.
“Phil Foden will play, he’s world class," said the 63-year-old.
“He has to start in that side, but it’s a question of where because we’re spoiled for number 10s in the squad.
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"Having said that, he can play on either wing too.
“I’d be interested to see how and where he features for England.
"I’d like to see him play the number 10 role with Jude Bellingham in midfield. Whether Gareth Southgate goes with that, we’ll have to wait and see.
“I’ve been a fan of Foden for a long time. He’s been fabulous this season.
"He can play in any position and he’s realising that potential that we all saw in him.
“I love the way he takes the ball on the half-turn, the way he finishes, his work-rate, his energy.
"His first touch is sublime. He’s a joy to watch.”
