As the countdown for Euro 2020 begins after the end of domestic leagues in Europe, national teams have started announcing squads for the tournament. On Tuesday, the England manager announced a big contingent of 33 players for the upcoming tournament.
While the other teams have a 26 or 24 men squad, England on the contrary has announced a squad of 33 players. Three English teams are playing in Europa League final and Champions League final, so Southgate had to announce a bigger squad. The squad will be trimmed to 26 players on June 1. All selected players will report at St. George’s Park this week to start preparations for the tournament.
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander Arnold has been selected despite many reports suggesting that Southgate won’t select him due to serious competition in the right-back position. The 22-year-old Champions League winner was dropped for England’s World Cup qualifiers in March. However, a strong end to the season strengthened the case of the Liverpool squad. Apart from Trent-Arnold, Reece James, Kyle Walker, and Kieron Trippier are other right-backs in the squad. Southgate might be forced to drop one when he announces the final list next week.
Ben White and Ben Godfrey have earned maiden call-ups to the England squad after strong campaigns with Brighton and Everton, respectively. Since there is doubt over the fitness of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, both young defenders will be looking to impress Southgate in the next seven days.
Burnley’s Nick Pope was unlucky to drop out from the squad due to injury. West Brom’s Sam Johnstone and Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale have been included in the squad as goalkeeping options. Everton’s Jordan Pickford is the first choice shot-stopper for Southgate, while Man United’s Dean Henderson is likely to be his deputy.
In the midfield department, Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse has been included in the squad. The 26-year-old has featured in all 38 games this season and he also played every game of Premier League last season too. Ward-Prowse is a set-piece specialist, which adds a vital dimension to the squad. Teenage sensation Jude Bellingham is also included in the squad. He enjoyed a strong debut season at Borussia Dortmund. Meanwhile, Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips has recovered from injury to be available for England and Liverpool skipper Jordan Henderson is included in the squad.
Patrick Bamford was unfortunate to miss out after scoring 17 goals in 38 matches for Leeds United. Danny Ings was another high-profile absentee after having a strong end to the season with Southampton. Aston Villa star Jack Grealish and Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho are back in the squad after missing games in March due to injuries. A strong end to the season has also helped Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood to feature in the squad.
In terms of depth, England are spoilt for riches like France and Portugal. England should be favourite to top the group as they play against Croatia, Scotland, and Czech Republic. England will begin Euro 2020 journey against Croatia on June 13 at Wembley Stadium, London.
England’s provisional squad for Euro 2020
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Ben Godfrey, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kyle Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ben White
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Mason Greenwood, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Ollie Watkins