[Sport] Euro 2020: What are the key squad issues facing England manager Gareth Southgate?

[Mr.BaZzAr]

Gareth Southgate says England's situation is "more complicated than any other country" after announcing a 33-man provisional squad for Euro 2020.

The England manager must name a 26-man squad by 1 June.

Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea play European finals this week.

"There are 12 players still to play so we're always going to need additional players and added to that we have some injuries at different stages, that we have very little info about," he said.

"We felt more time will help us make better decisions. Our preference was to name the 26, but we have not got an ideal hand of cards - a lot of unknowns.

"Info and evidence are very important and we will have a lot more in the next seven days."

White and Godfrey among uncapped quartet in 33-man provisional England squad
Who will recover from injury in time?
While Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope has missed out through injury, there remain fitness issues surrounding several Three Lions players.

Liverpool's Jordan Henderson, Everton's Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Leeds United's Kalvin Phillips also have injury concerns - though Leeds are confident Phillips can recover from his shoulder injury in time.

Meanwhile, Manchester United's Harry Maguire is battling to be ready in time for facing Villarreal in Wednesday's Europa League final.

"We have got a bit of a shortage of information on a couple of the injuries," Southgate told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"Understandably, Manchester United have a big game tomorrow so I get why we haven't been able to access that as easily. I don't know whether he is fit for tomorrow or in three months' time. That is where we are with it."

And Southgate will hope no other England stars pick up knocks as Manchester City face Chelsea in the Champions League final on Saturday, which could feature the likes of John Stones, Kyle Walker, Reece James, Ben Chilwell, Mason Mount and Phil Foden.

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How many right-backs can you take?
There is room for Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold despite being left out of the previous England squad in March.

The 22-year-old is one of four right-backs in the provisional squad, along with Walker, James and Atletico Madrid's Kieran Trippier.

"You're looking at four right-backs, I just see four good footballers," said Southgate.

"Trippier can play at left-back. Alexander-Arnold can play at wing-back, I think he can play midfield. I've seen James play on the right side of a back three, at wing-back and as a midfielder. Those flexible players who can fulfil different roles will be hugely important."t

On Alexander-Arnold, he added: "Trent is very much in contention. People tend to think I don't think Trent is a good footballer. That just isn't the case.

"I think there is no doubt he could [play in midfield]. He's a fantastic passer of the ball and he has great passing vision. So he's a playmaker from right-back, that's kind of what he is."

Walker can also play at centre-back - as he has previously for England - but will Southgate really be able to fit all four into his final squad?

How much faith can he put in youth?
In the centre-back positions, Brighton's Ben White and Everton's Ben Godfrey are included among four uncapped players in the squad.

"They are both exciting young defenders," Southgate said. "They are flexible, they play in different roles, this is a great opportunity to get to know them a bit better and for them to work with the team.

"There is no way of knowing how long they will be with us at this stage but it should be a fantastic experience for them."

The other two uncapped players are goalkeepers Sam Johnstone, of West Brom, and Sheffield United's Aaron Ramsdale, who were both relegated from the Premier League this season.

Southgate's squad is bursting with young talent, including three teenagers in 17-year-old Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, plus Arsenal's Bukayo Saka and Manchester United forward Mason Greenwood, who are both 19.

Eighteen of the 33 players have won fewer than 10 caps.

"There are too many question marks today," said Southgate. "It will become far clearer. We have got good contingencies in place - a nice balance with young players. If they're with us for one week or five weeks, it will be a brilliant experience.

"We're building towards a hugely exciting summer. We have to build a team who can win."

Is there a decision he might regret?
One experienced player who will miss out is Tottenham midfielder Eric Dier, who played at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup.

"Unfortunately I just don't think his season has been long enough to be in the squad and that is a difficult call because I know how much he brings to the whole group," added the England manager.

"When you are at a tournament the players who put the team first are critical. It wasn't an easy conversation but he is an outstanding professional and took the news in a professional way."

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