Always believe in yourself. Silence the doubters. 🏴 pic.twitter.com/vf5Nah3ji7
— Trent Alexander-Arnold (@TrentAA) June 1, 2021
A quick recap ...
- Gareth Southgate has named his 26-man squad for Euro 2020
- Trent Alexander-Arnold is among four right-backs included in the squad
- Jessie Lingard, James Ward-Prowse and Ollie Watkins among higher profile absentees
- Mason Greenwood withdrew from the squad with a pre-existing injury
- Uncapped players Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale and Ben Godfrey miss the cut.
- Dropped six players will remain with squad for pre-tournament friendlies
On Trent Alexander-Arnold’s reaction to getting in the squad: “I spoke to Trent about three weeks ago,” says Southgate. “So where the stories over the last couple of weeks that have ended up with lots of strange headlines and stories ... I’ve no idea where they’ve come from.
“I felt there were stories that ran that were so far off the truth ... look, I would never normally speak to a player because I read a lot of stories about myself that are not true, but I have to accept that’s the job I’m in and people speculate and write as if it’s exclusive or anything else.
“When it’s a player they might be reading it and thinking it’s true; maybe the manager is speaking to the press behind their back ... but that’s obviously not the case. Even last night we were still dealing with that, puzzled because he’s there taking set plays for the game tomorrow and he’s reading that he’s not going to the European Championship. I really don’t understand it.
“For me, it’s no drama. I accept as the England manager this is what I deal with. I always go back to the front page of whatever paper it was they said I was the biggest fan of British Bake-Off, I always have Bake-Off parties in my house and I’m desperate to be on the show. The only thing that was true in the story was my age. That’s the world I live in but for my players I want to protect them and so again we’re having to say to Trent last night: ‘Look, I don’t know where all this is coming from but it’s nonsense’.
“Because people then say I have an agenda and I don’t rate the kid, which is nonsense.”
On his starting side to face Croatia on 13 June: “Everybody wants to play and that can affect our decision making in these two matches and the training sessions in the lead up.” said Southgate. “We have got a very good idea of what we want to do, but that’s always got to be open to change - and that’s the opportunity the players have in the next two games.”
On England’s prospects: ““We can’t look any further than the group stage at the moment,” says Southgate. “We play World Cup finalists [Croatia] in our first game, we have a derby with Scotland, and then we have the Czech Republic, who are one of the best teams in Europe.
“Our focus us on Croatia in a couple of weeks time and then everything builds from there. But there are eight to 10 teams who could win the tournament. We have proved that we can beat anyone on our day - but we have to show that consistently in the tournament.”
Attention turns to Kieran Trippier: The right-back – presumably Gareth’s favourite of the four to land such an exalted position – is asked a question by a reporter I won’t name and shame, who addresses him not once, but twice as “mate”. Needless to say he is very pleased to be included in the squad but looks a lot less pleased to have been shanghaied to take part in this press conference.
England boss Southgate on Rashford's fitness: "Marcus we haven't seen on the grass but I've spoken with him and he assures me he's happy with where he's at so we go from there with that one" #MUFC
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) June 1, 2021
On Jessie Lingard’s omission: “Jessie did really well to get himself back in the race because back in January he was a millions miles away from being considered for an England squad. I said in March that he’d had a fabulous few weeks but he was slightly fortunate because we were without three or four wide players at that time.
“He was excellent for West Ham and he plays so well for us - we have total trust in the way he plays. He’s reliable, he’s a great member of the group. He will play tomorrow because we’ve got Sancho ill, we’ve obviously got a lot of players not available and he’ll start to help the balance of the team. He deserves that opportunity to go and show me that I’m wrong straight away. [Laughs]. The lads that are with us are the standby list and we need to keep them match ready.”
On Mason Greenwood’s withdrawal from the squad: “I spoke with Mason and with Ollie last Friday and that’s when the decision was made. At that point we hadn’t got to the level of decision of reducing the 26 because we were still waiting for the Champions League final. It’s unfortunate for Mason to msiss out on any tournament because even though he’s young these opportunities don’t come around very often. Even though we know how good he can be it wasn’t an option for us.”
On Harry Maguire’s prospects of being fit for the first game: “We know exactly where he’s at as our medical team have been over with him in Manchester. He hasn’t been able to join us yet because of quarantine issues after his return from Poland. He’s got a bit to do, like Hendo [Jordan Henderson] they’ve both got a bit to do to be ready but the fact they’re such fantastic characters to have around the group. Given we were able to pick 26, we felt that the opportunity to have those two with us was a straightforward one.”
Southgate on the prospect of playing in front of fans: “It’s exciting for the players to be playing at Wembley and with fans in the stadium - we’re looking forward to that,” he says. “I know some of the clubs have played in front of fans but we haven’t had that opportunity yet, so we’re really looking forward to it.
“It’s a great shame some players haven’t played for England in front of fans. Some who have made their debuts haven’t had family there. The fans are such a missing piece. If you’ve waited all your life to play for England, you want to invite your family - and we haven’t been able to do that.
“We won’t win matches just because we’re at home, we need to play well. We’ve seen over the last 18 months, it hasn’t been the same without full stadiums, so we hope with the fans coming back the fans will have an influence on that.”
Southgate: “If we pick up injuries, that’s the group of players who are on standby. I’ve been there as a player and it’s not nice to receive that news.”
On his preponderance of right-backs: “Well, I think we went though this last week,” he says. “Yes we have four players who play sometimes at right-back for their clubs but Kieran’s here, who’s been playing as a wing-back as well as right-back. Reece James has played right of a three or right wing-back. Trent plays at right-back and Kyle Walker has, as you know, played at centre-back on the right of a three for us and has also played at left-back during a match for us against Denmark.
“Reece James has also played in midfield in a match against Aston Villa. Basically they’re all in the squad because they’re all really good footballers and if I could have picked five or six right-backs I probably would have done.” It should be noted, he was laughing as he said that last bit.
Updated
Gareth Southgate speaks ...
“You never want to give bad news,” he said, speaking to the broadcasters among the journalistic bunch upon being asked how difficult it was to tell players they’d been left out. “It’s lovely to give people debuts and bring them into the squad for the first time, but it’s much harder to deliver difficult news.
“With the lads this time - there were three who knew they were coming in for the experience of training with us and for these two matches - and we’re really pleased with Ben White, Ben Godfrey and Aaron Ramsdale. They have added a lot to the group.
“For me personally, it was very difficult to speak to Jesse Lingard, who has given so much for England over a long period of time. James Ward-Prowse, who has captained the under-21s, and Ollie Watkins, who has had a tremendous season with Aston Villa.
“Those three, I gave them the option of going home, but they were all adamant they wanted to stay and be a part of the group. I think Jesse will probably start tomorrow.
“Their commitment and professionalism has been exemplary and it meant yesterday afternoon when I had the conversation with those players, although they were disappointed, they knew where they stood and the atmosphere around the camp has stayed positive.”
We’ll hear from Gareth Southgate at 6pm: It’s not too difficult to imagine he’ll say it was very difficult decision to leave out so many good players but he’s happy with the squad he’s selected. No, he doesn’t think four right-backs is too many, as at least three of them can play in different positions and that kind of versatility is important. And yes, it is the measure of the man Jessie Lingard is that he agreed to stay behind and play tomorrow night, despite today’s crushing disappointment.
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England have four times as many right-backs in their Euro 2020 squad as they had in their 2014 World Cup squad.
— Richard Jolly (@RichJolly) June 1, 2021
The sad six: Those who didn’t make the cut were offered the opportunity to leave the England camp and go home but it is being reported that not a single one have them have taken up the option. It’s the hope that kills you, as they say.
On Sky Sports News, Michael Dawson is in the studio as a pundit and is completely baffled by the news that Jessie Lingard is likely to start against Austria tomorrow night. Himself, Jim White and Darren Bent don’t seem to know that the Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City contingent have not reported for duty yet. Unless I’m mistaken ... but I’m pretty sure I’m not.
England admin: The jungle drums are reporting that, with the exception of the injured Mason Greenwood, the six players who have been cut from the provisional squad will stay in the camp for England’s friendlies against Austria tomorrow and Romania on Sunday. With the players of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea all still on a break, Jessie Lingard is expected to play against Austria.
What a time to be a right back!!
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) June 1, 2021
“ No-one wants to grow up to be Gary Neville “ will go down with “ you can’t win anything with kids “ in Punditry folklore @carra
4 Right backs in the Squad! https://t.co/ArXO4XK5pI
Your #ThreeLions squad for #EURO2020! pic.twitter.com/egVtf4ORMT
— England (@England) June 1, 2021
#fourrightbacks isn’t trending on Twitter yet but it’s surely only a matter of time if a cursory glance at my Twitter feed is anything to go by. It’s Ollie Watkins I really feel for but he may well get an opportunity if one of those ahead of him in the pecking order gets injured in the next 10 days. Then I’ll really feel for them.
"Four right-backs" but James and Walker could play in a back three and all four could play wide in a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2, so it's not as odd as it sounds. https://t.co/kr87kp5Npg
— Paul Hayward (@_PaulHayward) June 1, 2021
TO BE FAIR to Southgate, Walker is a centre-back in a three, and obviously there's this been farrago at Alexander-Arnold and that he can play a few positions, including maybe midfield.
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) June 1, 2021
Still though#fourrightbacks
Four right-backs, Gareth? Four? That’s insane.
— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) June 1, 2021
So, the main talking points ...
Ollie Watkins will be gutted to miss out, while Gareth Southgate makes the eyebrow-raising decision to bring four right-backs. The omission of Ben Godfrey, Ben White and Aasron Ramsdale is unsurprising and we already knew Jessie Lingard, Mason Greenwood and James Ward-Prowse would not be going. The inclusion of 10 defenders suggests Southgate will be playing a back five. Gareth Southgate will explain himself at 6pm.
England squad for Euro 2020
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Man Utd), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton)
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), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders: Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
England squad for Euro 2020 - breaking news
- Southgate is bringing four right-backs
- Harry Maguire is in the squad
- Bukayo Saka has been selected
- Ben White and Ben Godfrey are out
- Jude Bellingham makes the cut
Not long now: We’ve less than five minutes to go to a Big Reveal that is becoming increasingly small as a result of leaks and then the mouth-foaming and waving at clouds can begin. It is worth noting that while England have to submit their squad list to Uefa by 11pm, they can change it at any time up to the day before the tournament kicks off.
Updated
Below the line: I seem to have misread the room. Assorted readers in the comments section are boldly claiming that finishing tenth, losing home and away to Newcastle and winning six out of 19 Premier League games at Goodison Park was in fact a tremendously successful campaign for Everton.
Updated
More on Everton: The board of directors will meet tonight to discuss possible replacements for the departing Carlo Ancelotti. The names of David Moyes and Nuno Espirito Santo are already being bandied about.
Jack Grealish: I had a nagging feeling that the Aston Villa winger might be a high profile omission from the squad; one that was probably misguided. The withdrawal of Mason Greenwood almost certainly means Grealish’s inclusion is guaranteed.
My idea of the seven who will not be included: Jessie Lingard, Mason Greenwood, James Ward-Prowse, Ollie Watkins, Ben White, Aaron Ramsdale and Bukayo Sako. England are very lucky to be in a position where they can leave so many good players out. As a Republic of Ireland fan, I’d happily swaddle all seven of them in green.
In unrelated news: Carlo Ancelotti is on the verge of leaving Everton for a return to Real Madrid, subject to the agreement of a compensation package between the two clubs. As much of a gentleman as he is, it’s difficult to imagine Everton fans being particularly upset by this bombshell news. They’ve had a very mediocre season despite remaining in contention for a top four spot until the closing weeks.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is in!!!
The Champions League winner, Premier League winner and Ballon D’Or nominee will be included in Southgate’s 26-man squad, according to Sky Sports News. There are four right-backs in the provisional squad - does this mean all four will be picked or will one of Kyle Walker, Reece James and Kieran Trippier miss out? One suspects Trippier might be the most vulnerable if one of them is for the chop. All will be revealed at 5pm, unless all is leaked to the media in the next 54 minutes.
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Breaking the bad news: Different managers have different methods of telling players they’re being left out of the England squad ahead of major tournaments and not all of them go for the soft-soap approach.
On TalkSport’s Breakfast Show this morning, Darren Bent revealed that Sven Goran Eriksson told him he wouldn’t be part of England’s squad for the 2006 World Cup squad in a curt phone call that lasted about 14 seconds. To add insult to injury, Bent later learned that the uncapped Theo Walcott had been picked ahead of him.
At least Bent got the courtesy of a phone call – Ray Parlour said he found out Glenn Hoddle wouldn’t be taking him to 1998 World Cup on Teletext (kids, ask your parents). He said he took the rejection on the chin because he had extremely stiff competition in the form of David Beckham and Paul Scholes.
Harry Maguire: Much of the reasoning behind Southgate’s selection will depend on the fitness of Harry Maguire, who damaged ankle ligaments during Manchester United’s win over Aston Villa three weeks ago. The centre-back may not be fit for the start of England’s Euro campaign but will almost certainly be selected unless his injury is more serious than the England camp have been letting on.
Jordan Henderson, who has not played since 20 February, has been participating in recent England training sessions, alongside his fellow midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who gave England fans a fright when he was forced off with what initially looked a serious shoulder injury in the closing seconds of Leeds United’s Premier League campaign. The de-selection of James Ward-Prowse suggests there are no concerns over the fitness of either Henderson or Phillips.
From David Hytner, our chief football correspondent: “The uncapped trio of the Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, the Everton defender Ben Godfrey and the Brighton defender Ben White are not expected to make the cut with the England manager, who has trained without 12 of his provisional squad this week because of their European cup final commitments, regarding their call-ups as valuable experience. The Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins and Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka could also miss out.”
The provisional 33-man squad
Tottenham Hotspur utility man Eric Dier, Leicester City midfielder James Maddison and injured Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope were among the high profile absentees when Southgate named his provisional 33-man squad last week, while Trent Alexander-Arnold earned a recall following his controversial omission from the England squad in March.
Brighton defender Ben White, his Everton counterpart and namesake Ben Godfrey were among four uncapped players named in Southgate’s provisional squad, along with goalkeepers Sam Johnstone and Aaron Ramsdale, who were relegated with West Brom and Sheffield United respectively.
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)
Southgate announces his Euro 2020 squad ...
Today’s the day. In what had promised to be a cross between the Red Wedding and the closing credits of The Apprentice, Gareth Southgate will announce his 26-man squad for the Euros, leaving seven players disappointed and alone with their thoughts as they are chauffered away from England’s Rockcliffe Park training base by their FA-assigned drivers.
However, news broke earlier this morning that Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood had withdrawn from the squad to “recover fully from an underlying injury” and it was also revealed that his Manchester United team-mate Jesse Lingard had also been told he was surplus to requirements. Southampton midfielder James Ward-Prowse also will not feature on the England squadsheet to be submitted to Uefa before 11pm tonight.
Unconfirmed leaks from the camp suggest Trent Alexander-Arnold’s hopes are in the balance, while Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale seems the most likely contender to be dropped from the roster of goalkeepers.
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