England head into this tournament, in which they will play their group matches at Wembley Stadium, as one of several major contenders to lift the trophy. The World Cup semi-finalists secured their place in the tournament by winning seven of the eight qualifying games, scoring 37 goals in the process.
The team at Last Word on Football has put together a profile on England so that you can have the complete rundown ahead of the competition kicking off in June.
England Euro 2020 Preview
Who is the England Coach?
England coach Gareth Southgate is a former midfielder/defender with 57 international caps to his name. He became the Three Lions coach in 2016 replacing Roy Hodgson. Prior to this, he was in charge of the England U21 side.
Since his promotion to the senior squad, Southgate has overseen 54 games and has a win percentage of 63%. During this time he has guided the Three Lions to the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup: England’s best performance in the tournament since 1990.
Southgate will be determined to succeed in this tournament following disappointment at Euro 96. In that tournament, hosted by England, Southgate missed in a penalty which eliminated his country in a semifinal shootout against Germany.
Who Has Been Selected in the England Squad for Euro 2020?
Gareth Southgate initially named four right-backs in his final squad; however, an injury to Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold meant a replacement was needed. Southgate opted for Brighton & Hove Albion central defender Ben White.
The 23-year-old, who can play in defence or midfield, only made his debut for his country in a friendly against Austria earlier this month.
Elsewhere, England have a squad with a mixture of talented youngsters and experience. The likes of Jude Bellingham, Mason Mount, Jadon Sancho, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka will be backed up by the more experienced members such as Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford, Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire.
England have the attacking power to give anyone problems and should they stay clear of injuries, the Three Lions have the potential to go all the way this summer.
Goalkeepers – Dean Henderson (Manchester United), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton).
Defenders – Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Ben White (Brighton)
Midfielders – Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Declan Rice (West Ham).
Forwards – Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Raheem Sterling (Man City).
Key Player
In-form captain Harry Kane could prove vital if England are to do well. Winner of the Golden Boot at the last World Cup, this season’s Premier League top scorer and top assister, The Three Lions have one of the World’s best leading their front line.
Key Players Missing as England Fail to Convince in Friendlies
England have played two friendlies leading up to their first group game on Sunday. They faced Austria and Romania at Middlesbrough’s Riverside Stadium.
Gareth Southgate was without key players due to those involved in the recent European finals being rested. Despite this, a better showing in both games was expected as they came away with unconvincing 1-0 victories.
The return of those players missing during the last two games should make a big difference as they look to negotiate what could be a tough group stage.
Group Stage Fixtures
The Three Lions face a tough task if they are to proceed past the group stages. Although Southgate’s men are very capable of progressing, it won’t be easy.
England will face World Cup runners-up Croatia first at Wembley followed by a clash with the auld enemy Scotland. They will end the group stage against the Czech Republic.
England v Croatia – June 13, 2pm BST
England v Scotland – June 18, 8pm BST
Czech Republic v England – June 22, 8pm BST
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
