Trent Alexander-Arnold in England's provisional squad for Euros

Ben White, Ben Godfrey, Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone are the other surprise inclusions in the 33-man squad.

Trent-Alexander Arnold file photo, Image credit: Facebook/Trent-Alexander Arnold
By Karthik Raman | May 25, 2021 | 3 Min Read follow icon Follow Us

Gareth Southgate has named his 33-man provisional Euro 2020 squad, which has plenty of surprises in store. Uncapped Ben White, Ben Godfrey, Sam Johnstone, and Aaron Ramsdale have been included, while Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold also makes the cut. Alexander-Arnold was dropped from Southgate’s last squad in March, which was received with a mixed response from fans and critics alike. There were speculations that the full-back might not be part of the team for the European Championship.

However, Southgate has put an end to all those speculations by including the 22-year-old in the provisional squad. His recent impressive form for Liverpool might have been a reason behind his inclusion. However, it’s not guaranteed that he will play in Euros just yet. Southgate will name his final 26-man squad on 1st June. One major omission was Manchester United right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who has been one of the consistent performers of the Old Trafford side.

Another surprise inclusion was Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, but Leeds’ Patrick Bamford misses out. Leicester City’s attacking midfielder James Maddison, Tottenham Hotspur’s midfielder Eric Dier and injured Burnley keeper Nick Pope are all left out. The right-back department looks really strong for the team. The recent La Liga winner and Atletico Madrid full-back Kieran Trippier, the Premier League champion Kyle Walker (Manchester City) and Chelsea’s Reece James are included in the squad. However, one of them is likely to miss out.

Tight competition

It will be interesting to see who all make the cut among the right-backs. Trippier played a crucial part in the 2018 World Cup team that reached semifinals and was also an important member of the league-winning Atletico team. Walker has been an ever present for the Three Lions. His versatility might come in handy as the Man City player can play as a full-back and a centre-back. That leaves James in a difficult position.

The 21-year-old Chelsea player does not have enough experience at the top level compared to the other two. He has so far shown huge promise in his early days at Stamford Bridge. But, it is not sure whether that will be enough for him to make it into the final squad. If Southgate considers Walker as a centre-back, then two of the remaining three might be included, with Trippier looking likelier to be in the squad. So the real fight for places might be between James and Alexander-Arnold.

Southgate has also included three promising teenagers in the squad. Borussia Dortmund’s 17-year-old midfielder Jude Bellingham and 19-year-olds Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood are in the 33-man squad.

England begin their campaign on 13th June against Croatia and play Scotland and Czech Republic on 18th and 22nd respectively in Group D, with all matches happening at Wembley.

England’s provisional squad:

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Man Utd), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Sheff Utd)

Defenders: John Stones (Man City), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Reece James (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Ben Godfrey (Everton), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Ben White (Brighton)

Midfielders: Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Jesse Lingard (Man Utd), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Mason Greenwood (Man Utd), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)