Will Bukayo Saka and Jesse Lingard make England’s final Euro 2020 squad?
(Picture: Arsenal FC via Getty Images)In naming a long-list before cutting his England Euro 2020 squad down to a final 26 next week, Gareth Southgate has offered a second chance to many players who would have been worried over their positions during the final weeks of the Premier League season.
Here are five players who will be being especially nice to the England manager over the coming week in order to break into that final squad...
The Aston Villa forward has enjoyed a fine first season in the Premier League, with 14 goals since his move from Brentford last summer.
The 25-year-old scored on his England debut but will have a lot of work to do and may need a slice of luck in order to make the 26-man shortlist.
The Liverpool defender’s omission from the last England squad had been the talking point all the way through to this announcement.
His form at club level has improved, but it is thought that his standing in Southgate’s mind is unchanged.
It would take a lot for Alexander-Arnold to climb higher in the pecking order and it may need quite the change in mindset from the England boss. This is his chance, however.
Versatility may be Saka’s biggest strength when it comes to winning a place in the final squad.
The Arsenal youngster has enjoyed a fantastic season with the Gunners and has always looked assured in an England shirt.
His ability to play a number of roles will boost his chances, while the responsibility he has taken in north London this season will not have been lost on Southgate.
Perhaps the biggest surprise from this announcement. The Brighton defender is well rated within the FA and has made a smooth transition into the Premier League.
It may well take an injury, however, for White to make the cut when Southgate finally trims the numbers down.
Southgate told Lingard he was lucky to return to the England squad in March.
The midfielder, who shone on loan with West Ham, impressed on his return at international level last time out and has proven himself at a tournament before.
Southgate is often loyal to those who have performed for him previously, which could be Lingard’s best chance of getting in.
