Southgate has tough choices to make over England Euros squad

Published date25 May 2021
Date25 May 2021
Publication titleEvening Chronicle
Expectation is high heading into the first tournament the Three Lions will play on home soil - in part, at least - since Euro 96, with the run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals still fresh in the mind.

Those charged with helping England to a first major trophy since 1966 will be announced at 1.00 today, manager Southgate explaining his decisions to the media an hour later.

The former defender has tough calls to make, from the number of squad members to select and dealing without some during preparations, to the widelydebated right-back conundrum and his injured players.

Trent Alexander-Arnold was the shock absentee from March's World Cup qualification tripleheader, with Southgate instead plumping for Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker and Reece James.

Liverpool team-mate Jordan Henderson provides another headache.

He has not played since undergoing groin surgery in February although Reds boss Jurgen Klopp says the issue should not keep him out of the Euros.

Manchester United captain Harry Maguire's situation is a concern after sustaining ankle ligament damage that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer expects to rule him out of tomorrow night's Europa League final against Villarreal.

Aston Villa skipper Jack Grealish completed his first full match since sustaining a shin issue in February in the season finale against Chelsea on Sunday, when Leeds' Kalvin Phillips sustained a shoulder complaint against West Brom.

The Elland Road club said the midfielder's injury "is currently being treated conservatively," adding they "remain confident he will be available for Euro 2020" if selected.

Another concern is Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope.

Part of the 2018 World Cup squad, he played in all three England games in March with Jordan Pickford absent but is now...

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