With a summer of international football fast approaching, attention is turning to which 26 players will make the final cut for the England Euro 2020 squad.
This looks to be one of the most talented generations of young English players for many a tournament. That means even the most ardent critic of Gareth Southgate’s recent team selections won’t envy the task lying in-front of the England manager as he makes his final preparations for this summer.
Nevertheless, we’ve decided to give it a go.
Here are the 26 England players we think should make the grade this summer…
Who makes the Euro 2020 England Squad? | Our 26
Gareth Southgate’s difficult task has been made a touch easier by the announcement from UEFA that 26 players can now be called up by each team ahead of this year’s tournament.
Every team has to build from the back, so let’s begin with the man between the sticks…
England Euro 2020 Team | Our Goalkeepers
Nick Pope
Burnley’s number one has proven that he is more than capable of being England’s starting goalkeeper this summer, with another solid season between the sticks in the Premier League.
It remains to be seen who Gareth Southgate will trust for Euro 2020, but Pope looks most likely on current form and fitness.
Dean Henderson
After successfully taking David De Gea’s place at Manchester United, Henderson undoubtedly deserves a spot in Southgate’s squad, and could be pushing Pope for the jersey.
Jordan Pickford
It’s been a difficult season for Pickford, and it seems likely he will have to accept a place on England’s bench this summer.
Saying that, he has never let his country down and has a chance of featuring from the start if he ends the campaign well for Everton.
England Euro 2020 Team | Our Defenders
Kyle Walker
Despite the incredible performances of João Cancelo for Manchester City this season, Walker has remained a crucial player for Pep Guardiola’s Champions League finalists; he simply must start at the Euros.
Trent Alexander-Arnold
Liverpool’s right-back will have let out a huge sigh of relief hearing this summer’s squad size increase.
If there was still a 23-man limit, Southgate would have likely left him out after a difficult season on Merseyside. 2021 has been better for Trent, however, and he should be in the squad of 26.
Reece James
James may not feature too much this summer, but he will be an important player for England in years to come, so this experience will be vital for him.
John Stones
At 26, Stones still has his best years ahead of him, however this season he has looked at his absolute prime.
Rúben Dias’ presence will have helped, but Stones on current form is his country’s best centre half.
Harry Maguire
Perhaps unfairly criticised at times, Maguire has had a good season for Manchester United and will be a leader at the back this summer.
Tyrone Mings
Villa’s excellent campaign has sprung from their solid backline. Mings has been a crucial part of that. His partner Ezri Konsa will miss out but should challenge for a World Cup spot next year.
Michael Keane
Keane has been inconsistent this season but has enough quality as backup for Stones and Maguire, and seems to be a squad favourite of Southgate’s.
Ben Chilwell
A big money move to Chelsea last summer got plenty of attention, but Chilwell’s bold switch had paid off. He’s performed consistently well, just like he did in his Leicester days.
Luke Shaw
Arguably Manchester United’s best player this season, solid defensively and offers plenty going forward. Should start.
England Euro 2020 Team | Our Midfielders
Declan Rice
Rice has been West Ham’s leader in their top four chase, with a quality, disciplined season in-front of his defence. Should he be fit, he will start for the Three Lions.
Jordan Henderson
It seems Liverpool’s captain will just about be fit for the tournament. A crucial player for his country and will be needed in big games.
Kalvin Philips
Southgate is clearly a big fan of Philips, who has been brilliant in his debut Premier League season. Should get some valuable minutes this summer.
Mason Mount
A star under Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel, Mount is a real shout for Young Player of the Season and should be starting for his country.
Jude Bellingham
As Pep Guardiola said, it’s hard to believe this kid is 17. Bellingham has put in some huge performances in the Bundesliga and Champions League, and with 26 spaces available, why not take him along?
James Ward-Prowse
England relied heavily on set-pieces at the 2018 World Cup and could do so too at Euro 2020. While Ward-Prowse isn’t likely to start games, his ability with a dead ball might be massive in the summer.
Phil Foden
What a player. Southgate simply has to use Foden from the start this summer. His game has developed so much under Pep Guardiola, and will shine on the biggest stage, as seen in the UCL this season.
Jack Grealish
Grealish can create something out of nothing and looked likely to start this summer before his latest injury problems. Can operate well centrally but expected to play on the left side further forward.
Jesse Lingard
Few would have predicted Lingard making his way into the England squad at the start of 2020/21, however the last few months at West Ham have been fantastic for him, and his previous performances for his country will only help his chances.
England Euro 2020 Team | Our Forwards
Harry Kane
No explanation necessary, the best striker in the world on form, and captain of his country.
Raheem Sterling
Pace will be crucial for England this summer, and Sterling has bags of it. Will be hoping to grab some goals at City before the tournament as a confidence boost.
Marcus Rashford
Can operate anywhere in a front three. Has been unplayable at times for Manchester United this season.
Jadon Sancho
So talented with the ball at his feet. It could be a big summer for Sancho, with plenty of Premier League sides keeping an eye on him.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
A real threat in the air and will be useful at both ends of the pitch, depending on how games are going.
England Euros Squad | Facing A Nervous Wait…
We’ve got our suggested 26… but here’s some who would rightly feel a tad unlucky to miss out.
Sam Johnstone
Ezri Konsa
Conor Coady
Lewis Dunk
Aaron Cresswell
Curtis Jones
Bukayo Saka
Emile Smith-Rowe
James Maddison
Patrick Bamford
Ollie Watkins
Who makes your England squad for Euro 2020?
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