Euro 2020: England squad draws limelight due to controversial decision-making

Gareth Southgate has made the curious decision to include four right-backs in his squad for Euro 2020.

The England attack will enjoy the presence of a game-changer in Harry Kane. (Image Credit: Twitter/@England)
By Arnab Mukherji | Jun 5, 2021 | 2 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

The 26-man England squad for Euro 2020 presents a very curious look, with manager Gareth Southgate making quite a few controversial decisions. The England manager had earlier announced a 33-man provisional squad. The squad is preparing for the two warm-up friendlies ahead of the European tournament. The team was further trimmed down to 26, with the talent pool in England certainly making it difficult for Southgate to take a decision that suits the interests of all involved.

Bearing this in mind, here’s a detailed look at England’s strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats going into the tournament.

Strengths

1) In-form attack: The England attack comprises of the likes of Harry Kane, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling. Kane was in excellent form in the recently concluded edition of the Premier League. Sancho and Sterling were similarly in good touch, leaving the fans confident with regard to goals and assists.

2) Presence of players high on confidence: Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell were a part of the Chelsea team that won the recently concluded edition of the UEFA Champions League. Their confidence and positivity could well rub off on the others.

Weaknesses

1) Lack of depth in midfield: England only have four pure central midfielders in the final squad, with Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds United) and Declan Rice (West Ham United), the four of them. Bellingham is only 17. It would be too much to expect a fine performance in such a major tournament from him, in case of an injury.

2) Unnecessary backup in right-back: Southgate has selected Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Reece James and Trent-Alexander Arnold, in the squad with the Liverpool fullback ruled out due to injury. However, England only have two options on the left wing, with Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell handed opportunities.

Opportunity

Southgate has shown faith in Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson, despite the duo battling injuries. This decision by the manager could well motivate the duo to showcase the full extent of their capabilities, lending some solidity and experience.

Threat

England could be in a spot of bother if Maguire fails to recover match-fitness or struggles to perform as per expectations. The defence could be left thoroughly exposed. The decision to not select an in-form game-changer like Jesse Lingard could well come back to haunt Southgate. The lack of experienced players in midfield could further emerge as a major area of concern.





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