England’s 26 man squad announced as Southgate names all 4 Right-Backs

Gareth Southgate finally announced the much awaited 26-man squad for the Three Lions Euro campaign.

While a lot of the players to be chopped from the 33-man squad were obvious, Trent Alexander-Arnold’s presence in the squad, or lack of it, was always going to cause a reaction. Trent would make headlines if he was in the squad or out of it.

Thankfully for England fans, Gareth Southgate was smart enough to name one of the best right backs in the world as that shows a clear indication that England will try playing an attacking brand of football.

Mason Greenwood was expected to feature in the final squad, but he decided to take the summer off as an injury precaution. This made room for the versatile youngster Bukayo Saka who is the only player from Arsenal who made the cut.

Jordan Henderson and Harry Maguire were both included in the squad, despite not being fully fit. This was an expected decision as the pair offer much more than their on-pitch qualities as they have immense leadership capabilities.

The major headline was the inclusion of all right backs. While it may sound outrageous to have 4 right backs in a squad of 26, the fact that two of the players (Walker and James) are capable of playing in a back 3 makes the decision more digestible.

Two-time Team of the Year awardee Trent Alexander-Arnold was rumoured to miss out on the final cut but was included in the squad named by Gareth Southgate.

The England head coach also hinted at the Liverpool right back featuring in midfield which seems a match made in heaven due to his outrageous passing ability which has seen him garner more assists than anyone barring Kevin de Bruyne over the last 3 seasons.

England’s 26-man Squad:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone

Defenders: Luke Shaw, Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, John Stones, Kyle Walker, Tyrone Mings, Conor Coady, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips, Mason Mount, Jude Bellingham

Forwards: Phil Foden, Raheem Sterling, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Bukayo Saka