Big surprises as Gareth Southgate names 33-man provisional England squad

SportsJOE

The final squad will be announced next week

England manager Gareth Southgate has announced his 33-man provisional squad ahead of Euro 2020, writes Reuben Pinder, which includes surprise picks Ben White and Ben Godfrey among the selected defenders.

With several countries already having named their final 26-man squads, eyebrows were raised when news broke on Monday that this squad announcement would be a provisional squad, but with question marks over the fitness of key players, Southgate’s decision to delay his final call could prove wise.

After much speculation around whether he would be included or not, Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold has been selected as one of four right-backs in the provisional squad, and is expected to be dropped for the final 26, providing Kieran Trippier, Reece James and Kyle Walker all stay fit.

An injury to Nick Pope in the final days of the Premier League season has ruled him out of contention, with Sam Johnstone replacing him as third choice goalkeeper.

In attack, there were few surprises, though fans can expect one of ______ and _______ to be dropped for the final 26-man squad, set to be announced in a week’s time.

The full 30-man squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Manchester United), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield United)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Ben Godfrey (Everton), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City, Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Ben White (Brighton)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (West Ham), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Mason Greenwood (Manchester United), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)

We spoke to captain Harry Kane, last week, about England’s hopes at this tournament, why this squad is better than the one that went to Russia in 2018, and his dreams of playing as a kicker in the NFL after football.