Predicting England’s 23-man Euro 2020 squad
Euro 2020 will soon be upon us, and Gareth Southgate will have some crucial decisions to make regarding his final 23-man squad in the near future. There are some players who look nailed on to get the call, while others may need a solid end of the season to guarantee their spot. So, with the tournament just months away, we’ve decided to predict Southgate’s final 23.
Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
Everton’s Pickford has been Southgate’s first-choice ever since taking the job, and providing he can stay fully fit, we expect the Toffees man to be included.
Goalkeeper: Nick Pope
Burnley’s Pope has also staked his claim to be in the three-man goalkeeping unit with some impressive recent displays against Leicester City and Manchester United. We think he’ll also get the nod.
Goalkeeper: Dean Henderson
The final shot-stopper we think will be in is Sheffield United’s Henderson. He’s played a key role in the Blades’ phenomenal first season back in the top flight, something we think will be recognised by Southgate.
Defender: Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool’s Alexander-Arnold could probably play in midfield for England’s he’s that good! He looks certain to be the Three Lions’ first-choice right-back this summer.
Defender: Kieran Trippier
Southgate will then have to take another right-back, and despite recently undergoing groin surgery, we think he’ll still go with Trippier. He’s got plenty of experience on the international stage and has enjoyed a solid first season with Atletico Madrid.
Defender: Ben Chilwell
On the opposite flank, Leicester’s Chilwell looks likely to get the nod. He’s been excellent for the Foxes in recent years and could head to his first major tournament as a result.
Defender: Danny Rose
A sensible backup option to Chilwell could be Rose. He looks like he’ll get plenty of minutes with Newcastle from now until the end of the season, something which will only strengthen his chances of making the 23.
Defender: Harry Maguire
At the heart of the defence, Maguire looks certain to make the squad despite his recent struggles with Manchester United.
Defender: Joe Gomez
Someone who hasn’t struggled for their club is Liverpool’s Gomez. He’s been excellent alongside Virgil van Dijk and deserves to make the squad in our book.
Defender: Michael Keane
Everton’s Mason Holgate could seriously rival teammate Keane for a spot in the squad, but we think Southgate will go for the 27-year-old’s experience.
Defender: Tyrone Mings
The final defender we think will make the 23 is Aston Villa’s Mings. He’s been an ever-present figure under Dean Smith and without him, they could be in deeper trouble.
Midfielder: Jordan Henderson
Liverpool captain Henderson currently looks as if he’s the midfielder who’s most likely to get a place in the squad. He’s been one of the best players in the Premier League this season, and his leadership qualities could be priceless.
Midfielder: Declan Rice
Holding midfielder Rice will also get the call in our opinion. Southgate doesn’t have too many defensive midfielders to choose from right now, which only benefits the West Ham man.
Midfielder: Harry Winks
Southgate appears to be a big fan of Tottenham’s ball-playing midfielder Winks, and he’d definitely add something different to the squad if selected. We think he will be.
Midfielder: James Maddison
Leicester’s Maddison has been excellent over the last 18 months, and it feels as if it’s his time to impress on the world stage. We expect the Foxes star to be in.
Midfielder: Jack Grealish
Many think it’s a toss-up between Maddison and Grealish, but we think they’ll both get in! The Villa man has been one of the best performers in the division outside the top six, and his creativity could make him one of Southgate’s bold selections.
Midfielder: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain
Oxlade-Chamberlain looks like he’s shrugged off his injury problems and appears to be back to his best for Liverpool. Providing he can avoid any more issues, he could be another inclusion.
Midfielder: Dele Alli
Alli has found some much-needed form under Jose Mourinho, and his displays in recent months could be enough to sneak him into the 23.
Forward: Harry Kane (c)
Captain Kane faces a race against time to recover from a hamstring problem to make the squad, but we’re expecting him to do just that to lead his country in another major tournament.
Forward: Marcus Rashford
Another forward who’s currently sidelined is Rashford. However, we also think the Manchester United man will be back to his best in time for the European Championships and could be key for the Three Lions.
Forward: Raheem Sterling
Sterling has been vital to both Manchester City and England over the last 18 months, so he looks certain to make Southgate’s final squad and occupy a wide attacking role.
Forward: Jadon Sancho
On the other flank, we think will be Sancho. The Borussia Dortmund ace has been outstanding in Germany this season, and if he can continue that form for his country, he could turn out to be a real under the radar star for Southgate.
Forward: Tammy Abraham
The only forward who doesn’t look like he’s guaranteed a spot is Abraham. The Chelsea forward was in fine form in the first half of the season, and if he can pick up a few more goals before the end of the campaign, we think that’ll be enough to see him get the nod.
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