Who Makes the Cut? Predicting England’s Ultimate Euro 2020 Squad

England Euro 2020 Squad: Comprehensive Analysis and Final Selection

As excitement builds for the rescheduled Euro 2020 tournament, the debate over England’s ideal 23-man squad has reached fever pitch. Balancing form, tactical needs, and Gareth Southgate’s preferences, we present an in-depth breakdown of the strongest possible England lineup heading into the European Championships.

Goalkeeper Selection: Safe Hands for the Three Lions

England’s options between the posts combine international experience with Premier League form.

– **Jordan Pickford**: Despite scrutiny over his club performances, Pickford’s international record and ability to play out from the back make him Southgate’s likely first-choice. Statistically, he averages 2.37 saves per goal conceded for Everton and adds crucial distribution skills.
– **Nick Pope**: Burnley’s standout and arguably the best shot-stopper among English keepers. With a top-tier 3.2 saves per goal ratio and nine clean sheets in a struggling team, Pope excels in traditional goalkeeping, though his distribution lags behind Pickford.
– **Dean Henderson**: Rising star at Manchester United, Henderson blends reliability and potential. While not yet overtaking Pickford or Pope, his broad skillset positions him as one to watch for the future.
– **Injury Cover: Sam Johnstone**: Johnstone leads the Premier League in saves for West Brom and would step in should injury strike one of the top three.

Defensive Line: Flexibility and Depth Across the Back

Right Backs: Competition at Fullback

– **Trent Alexander-Arnold**: His creative drive and versatility—capable as full-back or wing-back—put the Liverpool man in strong contention despite sporadic form.
– **Kyle Walker**: Still possesses blistering pace and the tactical intelligence to slot into a back three or four, Walker’s experience is invaluable.
– **Reece James**: Already a key player for Chelsea, James brings defensive solidity and can operate in multiple roles, making him a wise squad addition.

Centre Backs: Solidity Through Competition

– **John Stones**: Back to his best this season with Manchester City, Stones is in excellent form and can anchor various defensive shapes.
– **Harry Maguire**: Manchester United’s captain partners Stones and brings leadership, aerial strength, and distribution.
– **Eric Dier**: Offers utility as a centre-back or defensive midfielder, fitting Southgate’s demand for adaptable players.
– **Conor Coady**: Highly organized and comfortable in a back three, Coady’s passing and game sense add balance.
– **Injury Replacements**: Tyrone Mings and Michael Keane have both enjoyed strong seasons and provide reliable cover.

Left Backs: Competition and Form

– **Luke Shaw**: Enjoying a career renaissance at Manchester United, Shaw combines defensive grit with offensive output.
– **Ben Chilwell**: Despite fluctuating game time at Chelsea, Chilwell’s consistency and attacking threat keep him a strong candidate.

Midfield Engine Room: Defensive Shield and Creative Flair

Defensive Midfielders: The Backbone of the Squad

– **Declan Rice**: Integral to West Ham’s success and one of the league’s best defensive midfielders, Rice is favoured for his energy and reading of the game.
– **Jordan Henderson**: While this season has been challenging due to injury, his leadership and big-game experience remain crucial for Southgate.
– **Injury Replacement: Kalvin Phillips**: Leeds United’s Phillips has excelled with his defensive awareness and passing range.

Attacking Midfield: Talent and Versatility

– **Mason Mount**: An ever-present creative force at Chelsea, Mount can play deep or advanced, offering tactical flexibility.
– **Jack Grealish**: The heartbeat of Aston Villa’s attack, Grealish brings unmatched ball-carrying and chance creation—England’s creative X-factor.
– **Phil Foden**: A dynamic option comfortable as a midfielder or winger, with a knack for decisive goals and technical brilliance.
– **Injury Replacement: Jude Bellingham**: At only 17, Bellingham’s performances for Borussia Dortmund have provided dynamism and composure, making him a promising backup.

Wide Players: Variety, Pace, and Threat

England’s attacking depth on the wings is among the best in the tournament:

– **Jadon Sancho**: Dominant in Bundesliga attacking stats, Sancho’s dribbling and directness are invaluable.
– **Marcus Rashford**: Consistently delivering for Manchester United, Rashford combines pace, movement, and goal-scoring ability.
– **Raheem Sterling**: A top performer at Manchester City, Sterling’s ability to play wide or as a secondary striker gives Southgate options.
– **Bukayo Saka**: Arsenal’s versatile youngster can function in multiple roles from wing-back to winger, bringing consistency and tactical flexibility.
– **Injury Replacement: Jesse Lingard**: Revived at West Ham, Lingard offers experience, creativity, and work rate if needed.

Forwards: Leading the Line

– **Harry Kane**: England’s captain and top scorer, Kane not only finds the net but also links play from deep, making him irreplaceable.
– **Dominic Calvert-Lewin**: A classic centre-forward, he adds aerial threat, holds the ball up, and can partner Kane if Southgate seeks more attacking punch.

England’s Predicted Starting XI: Tactical Overview

A 4-2-3-1 formation remains the likely choice, maximizing strength in both midfield and attack:

Conclusion: England’s Depth Fuels Euro Aspirations

With a rich blend of youth and experience, England’s Euro 2020 squad is brimming with quality across every position. Selection headaches persist—particularly in attack and midfield—but the depth available to Gareth Southgate offers genuine hope that the Three Lions can challenge for continental glory. As the tournament approaches, all eyes will be on how these stars combine to deliver on their potential for the nation.