With the delayed Euro 2020 tournament only being a matter of weeks away now, and squads being slowly announced, I looked at the possible players who could feature for the three lions. Here is my 26-man selection for this eagerly waited competition.
Starting between the sticks for the three lions this summer will be Nick Pope of Burnley in my opinion, having had an excellent few years and a string of great performances for the Lancashire side. Having started his career in the youth ranks of Ipswich town, the Soham born shot stopper has gained vital experience at clubs all the way through the pyramid which will aid him when facing opposition of different levels in the next few months. Second choice keeper for this summer is Everton and England star Jordan Pickford. Jordan has made 142 appearances for the toffees since his £30 million transfer from boyhood club Sunderland where he played his way through the academy before going on to feature for the first team. In addition to this, Dean Henderson makes the squad as my third-choice keeper in case of any injury to the others in his position.
Following on from the goalkeepers, I began to take a look at who could play in the defensive roles for England at these Euros. Key names such as Maguire and Stones are sure to be in Gareth’s picks after making appearances in his past team selections as well as being vital members of their respective squads. This sentiment will also be shared with full backs Trent Alexander Arnold and Ben Chilwell, joined by Kyle Walker who is also able to play through the middle. The other two defensive spots will be filled with Luke Shaw and Conor Coady in my choices. Born in St Helens, Conor began his football experience in the famous Liverpool academy, which I was lucky enough to watch a few times many years ago. Having only made one appearance for the Merseyside team the now centre back moved on loan to Sheffield United. After a successful season at the Bramall Lane side, Coady spent a season at Huddersfield before a move to Wolverhampton Wanderers which saw his career sky rocket to being one of the best defenders in the Premier League.
Jordan Henderson kicks off the midfield selections, and takes the captaincy in my judgement following a remarkable past few seasons. The second Sunderland academy player to feature in this squad without question has to be the most important man involved with the three lions in the coming few months. After a move to Liverpool in 2011 he proved to many across the nation that he has the ability to fill the boots of Anfield legend Steven Gerrard. Having won the Champions League and the Premier League in such a short period of time Jordan has shown how influential he can be on the pitch, or on the side lines when injured. Joining Henderson in my midfield is Eric Dier who can also play the defensive midfielder role excellently, and even cover for other positions depending on formation. In the box-to-box midfield role my choices would be Harry Winks, James Ward Prowse and Jude Bellingham. All of whom can play deeper or further up the central areas of the pitch depending on the situation. Jude Bellingham has proven to be an amazing player at only 17 years of age, after making the significant move from Birmingham City to German giants Borussia Dortmund. Having played 28 times for the iconic Signal Iduna Park team Jude has displayed many reasons as to why he has the potential to captain England to a future world cup win. Recent FA cup winner James Maddison makes this 26-man squad, and will start for the England team at this competition following his huge contribution to a dynamic Leicester City side. The midfield magician has consistently proved his ability throughout the football league and is now ready to do it on the international stage. Also hoping to show his talent on the international stage this summer is Phil Foden. The Manchester City star has already lifted the Premier League title at the young age of 20 years old, a dream for many kids across England.
The attacking third of the pitch proved to be the hardest point in my selections for the England squad, thanks to many great players being able to fill the remaining spots in Gareth Southgate’s squad. With the wide channels being taken up by Raheem Sterling on one side, and Jadon Sancho on the other I was left to investigate who may play back up. Players such as Ryan Kent and Harvey Barnes immediately came to mind, both having won major trophies last season. Harvey Barnes lifted the FA cup alongside James Maddison only a matter of weeks ago, handing Leicester City their first win of that competition in their history. On the other hand, Ryan Kent was a vital player in securing the Scottish Premier league win for Rangers FC. Winning the league for the 55th time in their history the Glasgow side picked up an impressive 102 points. An achievement managed by ex England great Steven Gerrard. The next player to make the selection is Alexander Oxlade Chamberlain.
Making up the final batch of players for this squad is the strikers. Current England captain Harry Kane is a certain selection for the team, with Manchester United and England forward Marcus Rashford guaranteed to be in contention for each match day. Dominic Calvert Lewin will play the back-up role in this position for Gareth’s men this summer as a result of a consistent high standard of performances for Everton. The last but not least pick for the three lions in my opinion should go to Charlie Austin. Hungerford born Charlie has been a fan favourite at current club Queens Park Rangers following two spells at the West London side. During his first period for the R’s Austin picked up 45 goals in only 82 games, before moving onto Southampton. Returning to Loftus Road in 2021, the forward dragged QPR to an impressive 9th place finish in the Sky Bet Championship after a terrible start to the 2020/21 campaign.
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