Gareth Southgate not only deliberated over his squad selection for the Euros, but ended up naming a 33-man provisional squad which is set to be cut short to a 26-man squad today. Gareth Southgate has made many questionable selections over the course of his tenure, but a few bad calls this time around could cost him his job if England fail to produce the goods this summer.
Here are seven players who might miss out in the final England squad:
1) Goalkeeper and Centre Backs: Aaron Ramsdale, Ben Godfrey, Ben White.
Aaron Ramsdale has been the preferred choice between the sticks for the U-21 side, so him not being a part of the senior squad shouldn’t cause an uproar. Same can be said about Ben Godfrey and Ben White. They have looked promising this season, but a call up for the Euros this year might be a bit premature for the duo.
2) The Right Back Debate: Kieran Trippier.
The major conundrum was in the right back role. Kyle Walker is best suited at a right centre back and is pretty much nailed on in the squad. Reece James had the season of his life and has played as a right wing back for his club. As for Trent, it would be a disgrace to leave out the best right back in the world, who has been as good as his peers even in his worst season so far. Hence, Kieran Trippier is the one who misses out.
3) Midfield: Jesse Lingard, James Ward-Prowse.
Jesse Lingard had a brilliant comeback story for West Ham this season, but is clearly not good enough to start for England this summer. James Ward-Prowse could find a place in the squad, but it will be down to Henderson and Phillips’ fitness. If they both are fit enough for the tournament, Jude Bellingham will be picked over the Southampton skipper as a back-up midfielder.
4) Attack: Ollie Watkins, Bukayo Saka.
This is pretty obvious. Ollie Watkins is never going to be picked over Dominic Calvert-Lewin when it comes down to naming a 26-man squad. Bukayo Saka’s versatility might have cost him this summer as he is neither prolific to be picked as a winger, nor is he defensively strong enough to displace Shaw or Chilwell in the squad.