This week, England begin their 2020/21 campaign with away trips to Iceland and Denmark in the delayed start of the UEFA Nations League. Manager Gareth Southgate will be using the international getaway to further clarify his view on the squad that he is likely to use for next summers European footballing festival. But given the plethora of talent that the England coach currently has at his disposal, how are England likely to line up at Euro 2021?
England Line-Up at Euro 2021
Number One Spot up for Grabs
Jordan Pickford is currently considered to be England’s first-choice keeper. However, his participation at Euro 2021 is not guaranteed. Recent speculation has suggested that Dean Henderson may dislodge the Everton stopper.
However, given the fact that Henderson has decided to stay at Manchester United in order to challenge David de Gea for the No.1 jersey at Old Trafford, Henderson’s game time could be limited.
Gareth Southgate appears to pick players based on current form. Henderson’s chances of a place in England’s Euro 2021 squad could therefore be diminished by any lengthy spell in United’s reserves. Pickford could well cling on to a place in the England team.
Defensive Dilemma
England have a number of options at full-back. However, Trent Alexander-Arnold is likely to nail down the right-back berth. Meanwhile, Ben Chilwell can also be confident of being Southgate’s first-choice left-back.
The centre-back spots conversely still need to be cemented. Harry Maguire would be expected to take one of the starting positions. But given his recent greek conviction and exclusion from the current squad, that is by no means a certainty.
Joe Gomez has developed into a quality centre back. Kyle Walker could also be an option in a 3-5-2 formation.
Midfield Musing
Southgate has a number of decisions to make regarding his midfield. A fit Jordan Henderson would command a defensive midfield spot. Although, Declan Rice and Harry Winks are also in contention.
Mason Mount, James Maddison and Jack Grealish could all thrive in the number 10 role.
Phil Foden is likely to demand a starting spot if his career trajectory continues. While Bukayo Saka and Ainsley Maitland-Niles could provide wide options.
World Class Strike-Force
Southgate’s toughest dilemmas might be found in the striking department.
Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho will feel confident of their roles in the squad. But, Mason Greenwood, Marcus Rashford, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could all provide world-class backup.
Englands Likely Line-Up
If Southgate persists with a 4-2-1-3 system that he has adopted in recent years, his starting line up could well be;
GK Pickford
LB Chilwell
CB Maguire
CB Gomez
RB Alexander-Arnold
CM Henderson
CM Foden
AM Mount
LA Sterling
CA Kane
RA Sancho
Subs:
Henderson, Walker, Rice, Sako, Maddison, Greenwood, Rashford
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