Gareth Southgate gave an explanation behind some of his key decisions after naming a provisional 33-man England squad for Euro 2020 on Tuesday.
The England boss will have to whittle that number down to 26 for the start of the tournament but confirmed that he would be using up his full allocation after Spain’s Luis Enrique selected only 24 players.
Southgate opted to call up three uncapped players in Aaron Ramsdale, Ben Godfrey and Ben White, while Eric Dier, James Maddison, Patrick Bamford and Danny Ings were among the most notable absentees.
Here are some of the key takeaways from Southgate’s squad announcement:
Alexander-Arnold: the midfielder?
Southgate hinted that Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold could be utilised in midfield after recalling the 22-year-old to the squad following his high-profile omission in March.
“I know people feel I have an obsession with right-backs,” Southgate said. “I just see four good footballers. Trippier can play right-back or left-back, Trent can play right-back, wing-back – I think he can play in midfield. In the last few days I’ve seen Reece James play on the right of a [back] three, wing-back and in the middle of midfield.
“We’re going to a tournament and those sorts of flexible players that can fulfil different roles but are good footballers are going to be hugely important to us.”
Kane unlikely to leave Spurs during Euro 2020
Captain Harry Kane has made it clear that wishes to leave Tottenham and there have been reports that he is keen for his future to be resolved before the start of Euro 2020.
That prospect seems unlikely given Daniel Levy’s track record when it comes to negotiating transfers and Kane may have to wait until after the tournament is finished to get his move.
“What’s going on at his club is a matter for him and Tottenham,” Southgate said. “He’s obviously made a statement in the last few days so in many respects that’s out of the way now. I think it’s very unlikely that transfer deals will be done while we’re away.”
Dier’s patchy club form cost him a place
Eric Dier scored the winning penalty during England’s thrilling shootout win over Colombia in the last-16 of the World Cup in Russia and has been a mainstay of the Southgate era, but he has paid the price for an inconsistent season with Spurs.
“He is a man who I have tremendous respect for and he has been a key player in some of our biggest nights and moments. Unfortunately, I just don’t think his season has been strong enough to be in the squad which is a difficult call because I know how much he brings to the group.”
Leicester’s set-piece change counted against Maddison
James Maddison was one of the more high-profile players left out and Southgate suggested that Youri Tielemans’ promotion as Leicester’s primary set-piece taker at the playmaker’s expense was a factor behind that decision.
“He hasn’t been taking set plays I’ve noticed, Tielemans has been taking their set plays… In the most simple terms, we feel we have players in those areas of the pitch who are just ahead of James.”
Pickford praised for composed Everton displays
Southgate all but confirmed that Jordan Pickford would be England’s starting goalkeeper this summer after his main rival Nick Pope was ruled out with a knee injury.
Pickford has faced criticism at times for erratic moments while playing for Everton, but Southgate took the opportunity to praise his end of season performances.
“Jordan has finished the season really strongly. Since he’s come back from his injury, his focus and calmness in the goal has really stood out, so I’m very pleased with his form.”
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from Football – inews.co.uk https://ift.tt/3ukNDkm
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