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Euro tips

How England should line up for Euro 2020

Gareth Southgate could face plenty of selection headaches with the Three Lions

England are blessed with quality in multiple positions but which system and line-up should Gareth Southgate opt for in Euro 2020 next summer?

Here's the verdict of Racing Post Sport's Liam Flin:

GK Jordan Pickford

The 2018 World Cup regular has come under fire for his poor form with Everton but has significantly more experience than the other options at Southgate's disposal and has shown he can be valuable in a penalty shootout.

RB Trent Alexander-Arnold

His defensive abilities are still questionable but no right-back in the world is more deadly going forward. He is a Champions League winner and a crucial component in the Liverpool side competing for the Premier League title.

CB Joe Gomez

The form of Joel Matip has kept him out of the Liverpool team this season but his pace and versatility mean he must be on the plane, and he should get the nod over John Stones and Michael Keane who have been prone to errors.

CB Harry Maguire

Arguably England's best centre-back, 'Slab Head' as he is affectionately known, has improved Manchester United at the back and is a danger from set-pieces, scoring against Sweden in the World Cup quarter-finals.

England defender Harry Maguire celebrates victory over Sweden
England defender Harry Maguire celebrates victory over SwedenCredit: Clive Rose

LB Ben Chilwell

An alleged target of Frank Lampard's Chelsea, the enterprising Leicester full-back chipped in with a hat-trick of assists against Montenegro and compliments England's positive, front-foot approach.

CDM Jordan Henderson

With such energy and attacking prowess around him, Henderson is a key calming cog in the heart of England's midfield. He is the anchor who translates defence into attack at Liverpool and operates in much the same way for the Three Lions.

CDM Harry Winks

This formation can be regarded as either an advanced 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 and in either set-up Winks would provide the energy from midfield, dropping deep to collect the ball from defence and using his incisive passing ability to feed the front three.

RW Raheem Sterling

Sterling must be the second name on the team sheet after Harry Kane. The Manchester City winger has entered the world-class bracket in the last 18 months and has eight goals this qualifying campaign.

There is understandable excitement regarding England's squad
There is understandable excitement regarding England's squadCredit: Getty Images

CAM James Maddison

He is yet to start for England but the Leicester maestro could be the key to solving Southgate's creative conundrum in the finals. He plays in a high-intensity, attacking system for the Foxes which should make the transition to the national team seamless.

LW Jadon Sancho

The only player in this team to ply his trade outside of the Premier League, Sancho is one of the most exciting English talents around. His crossing and goalscoring abilities are exceptional and he could bring knowledge of opponents some Three Lions players are not familiar with.

ST Harry Kane

Trimmed to 1-5 to surpass Wayne Rooney's goal tally for England after his hat-trick against Montenegro, skipper and star striker Kane is arguably the easiest selection to make in this team. His one-on-one finishing is superb.


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