Sport
Outsiders to make the England Euro 2021 squad
With only one more international break to go until the end of the domestic season, Gareth Southgate is running out of time to finalise his squad selection for Euro 2021. Injuries are likely to restrict Southgate’s options significantly with Liverpool defender Joe Gomez potentially missing the tournament as a result of a knee injury sustained in training. While most of Southgate’s squad might already be pencilled in, there are still likely a few places up for grabs, giving uncapped players hope they can still force their way nto contention. Here are five outsiders to make the England Euro 2021 squad.
5 outsiders to make the England squad for Euro 2021
Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund)
Southgate has wasted no time in bringing 17-year-old Jude Bellingham into the fold with the teenager making a bright start to life in the Bundesliga since his move from Birmingham City. When he came off the bench in a friendly win over Republic of Ireland, Bellingham became the third-youngest player to be capped by England
Southgate and his staff clearly rate Bellingham but the Euro 2021 squad might come slightly too soon for the 17-year-old, who could provide some much-needed thrust and drive to the England midfield.
It seems certain Bellingham will go on to be a key player for England for many years to come but it would certainly be a bold call to take him to the tournament.
Patrick Bamford (Leeds United)
With seven goals from eight Premier League appearances so far, Bamford is proving his doubters wrong this season and is an early contender for the Premier League Golden Boot. While Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Danny Ings are in pole position to be selected as cover for captain Harry Kane up front, it is not impossible that Bamford jumps the queue.
Prized by Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa for his all-round abilities leading the line, Bamford’s finishing has vastly improved and at 27 he should be right at the peak of his powers. A brilliant hat-trick against Aston Villa showed just how dangerous Bamford can be on his day.
Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield United)
England’s goalkeeping department seems set in stone but, should a place come up, it would probably be Ramsdale be at the top of Southgate’s list. The Blades have struggled so far this season but Ramsdale has been a shining light, building on his fine performances for Bournemouth last term.
At just 22 years of age, Ramsdale has a huge future ahead of him and it is only a matter of time until he forces his way into the England squad. Dean Henderson’s spot could be vulnerable unless the ex-Blade can usurp David de Gea as Manchester United’s first-choice goalkeeper in the coming months.
Ross Barkley (Aston Villa)
Barkley has won 33 caps for England but the midfielder is something of a forgotten man at international level. He has not appeared for the Three Lions at all this year Barkley but has a new lease of life since joining Villa on loan from Chelsea, fitting into Dean Smith’s effervescent side with ease.
WhoScored’s Premier League ratings have Barkley just outside the top 10 this season, ahead of the likes of Richarlison, Timo Werner and, perhaps crucially, Chelsea’s Mason Mount. Southgate seems unwilling to trust his creative players with Barkley’s club team-mate Jack Grealish yet to become the mandatory pick many believe he should be for England. But Barkley’s international experience counts in his favour and a recall is not out of the question for the 26-year-old Scouser.
Villa fans are also hoping Ezri Konsa can get himself on Southgate’s radar in the coming months with central defence appearing to be an area of weakness. Only Newcastle defender Federico Fernandez has made more clearances in this season’s Premier League than Konsa.
Ben White (Brighton)
Southgate has already confirmed White is on his radar and the defender has made a smooth arrival into the Premier League after shining for Leeds United in the Championship last term. White is in the top 15 for tackles made in the Premier League this season, while his ability on the ball would likely ease the transition to international level too.
Liverpool have been linked with a January move for White given Gomez has joined Virgil van Dijk in the Reds’ treatment room. Should White make the switch to Anfield and thrive, it might be hard for Southgate to ignore him and he could yet prove to be a surprise outsider in the England Euro 2021 squad.
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