England manager Gareth Southgate has this afternoon revealed a 33-man provisional squad for the upcoming Euros.
It was announced earlier this week that the Three Lions’ boss would not make a final decision on his 26-man squad until June 1st.
The reasoning behind this decision is Southgate is understood to be concerned over a few specific players’ fitness.
With three English teams involved in European finals this week, Southgate has opted to wait for the outcome before finalising his team.
Check out the full team below:
The list is for the most part unsurprising with Southgate sticking to the core of players who he has progressed with over the years.
Ever-present players like Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, Harry Maguire, and Jordan Henderson all make the list.
The two major concerns were around Henderson and Maguire. Both players face a race to be fully fit in time for the tournament.
Henderson was on the bench for Liverpool on Sunday after struggling with a groin injury for large parts of the season.
Maguire is expected to play no part in Wednesday’s Europa League final but remains confident he will be fit in time for England’s first game on June 13th.
One player ruled out of the list entirely is Burnley’s Nick Pope who will undergo knee surgery this week.
This opened the door for Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale to earn his first call up.
He will be be the fourth choice keeper with Sam Johnstone likely to replace Pope in the final squad.
The other two first time call ups come at the centre back position.
Brighton’s Ben White and Everton’s Ben Godfrey both make the provisional list.
Southgate is clearly concerned with the centre back positions and is still exploring options.
Both White and Godfrey have had impressive seasons and are both comfortable on the ball.
Ben White has also spent most of the season playing in a back five which could help his chances with England.
The right-back debates will also continue as Southgate picks four players including previously exiled Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The Liverpool star gets recalled along with Kyle Walker, Reece James, and Kieran Trippier.
Southgate has a week to decide if all four are needed in the final squad.
Each player brings something different with versatility sure to play a part in the final decision.
Further forward the likes of Jesse Lingard make the list after his fine form since the turn of the year.
Lingard’s resurgence alongside other creatives like Mason Mount, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden means there are no spots for James Maddison or Delle Alli.
If anything this shows how strong this England crop is in terms of creative midfielders.
In attack, there are call ups for Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood & Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins.
Both of these players seemingly preferred by Southgate over Danny Ings or Patrick Bamford, who both miss out.
The England boss now has one week of hard thinking ahead of him as seven players must be removed from this squad.
Some positions may pick themselves but there are sure to be choices which cause controversy amongst fans.
The main takeaway from this list is that this England side is extremely talented and fans have an exciting summer to look forward to.
Whoever makes the final 26 man squad, England fans will be right behind them when they face Croatia at Wembley on June 13th.
Let us know your thoughts on who makes it into your final squad!
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