England announces Euro 2020 squad

The much-awaited Euro 2020 is just around the corner, and England has released its final squad for the tournament. The tournament, which was supposed to be held in 2020, was postponed to this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Three Lions, under the guidance of Gareth Southgate, will be playing their first match against Croatia on June 13, 2021. Let us have a look at the squad announced by Southgate:

The Squad

The squad is a mix of young and experienced players. In the goalkeeping department, England will be relying on Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, and Sam Johnstone. The defense will be led by Harry Maguire, John Stones, and Kyle Walker. England's midfield boasts of some quality performers, including the likes of Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, and Jude Bellingham. In the attack, England possesses some of the brightest young talents such as Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, and Jadon Sancho, along with the seasoned campaigners like Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane.

The Missing Ones

Southgate had to make some tough choices while selecting the final squad. Some notable absentees include Jesse Lingard, James Maddison, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Lingard has been in brilliant form for West Ham United, while Maddison has been a key player for Leicester City throughout the season. Wan-Bissaka, on the other hand, has been one of the standout performers for Manchester United in the Premier League. Their exclusion from the final squad came as a surprise to many.

The Expectations

England is one of the favorites to win the tournament, and expectations are high from the Three Lions. The team has a good balance of youth and experience, and Southgate has shown that he is not afraid to give chances to youngsters. England's strength lies in its attacking department, and it will be interesting to see how they fare against some of the best defenses in Europe. The defense is also looking good, with Maguire and Stones forming a formidable partnership at the center. The midfield will play a crucial role, and players like Rice and Henderson will have to step up and provide cover to the backline while also initiating attacks.

The Verdict

Overall, England's squad for Euro 2020 looks promising. Southgate has shown that he is willing to take risks and give chances to youngsters, which bodes well for the future of English football. However, the pressure will be on the team to perform, and it remains to be seen how they handle it. The fans will be hoping that the team can finally end the long wait for a major trophy and bring the glory back to England. Only time will tell if England has what it takes to lift the Euro 2020 trophy.