Southgate makes big Alexander-Arnold call as England Euro 2020 squad named
England boss Gareth Southgate has confirmed his 26-man squad for Euro 2020, with Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold the headline inclusion.
Reports on Monday (via ESPN) claimed that the 22-year-old would be one of seven players to be cut from the provisional 33-man list. He regained his place after stellar end-of-season form which helped the Reds finish in the top four. Amid the doubt, though, Alexander-Arnold has made the cut.
However, Southgate has made the bold call to go with four right-backs as opposed to dropping one of his quartet in the position.
Indeed, Reece James, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier also feature in the squad.
Harry Maguire – who was expected to make it after his recent ankle injury – keeps his place. Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson – who has also recently recovered from his groin problem – is in.
As for those to drop out, Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale heads the list.
In defence, Ben Godfrey and Ben White have dropped out. Nevertheless, the manager has still gone with 10 defenders overall.
Southgate has only selected five midfielders, with Jesse Lingard and James Ward-Prowse missing out.
But while Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood has withdrawn due to an “underlying injury”, Southgate has not replaced him with Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins – who made the original 33-man list.
As such, Harry Kane and Dominic Calvert-Lewin are the only two recognised strikers.
Your #ThreeLions squad for #EURO2020! pic.twitter.com/egVtf4ORMT
— England (@England) June 1, 2021
Bellingham makes England cut
Borussia Dortmund’s exciting teenage midfielder Jude Bellingham makes the cut.
The 17-year-old impressed in the last round of internationals and against Manchester City in the Champions League.
His Dortmund team-mate Jadon Sancho also gets in up front, as does City’s Phil Foden and Villa’s Jack Grealish.
Bukayo Saka – Arsenal’s stellar teenager – also makes the squad and will offer versatility down the left for Southgate.
England play Austria in one of two warm-up games on Wednesday.
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