England’s Euro 2020 squad: Alexander-Arnold in, Lingard and Watkins out
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Trent Alexander-Arnold has been named in an England squad for Euro 2020 that includes four right-backs after Ollie Watkins, Mason Greenwood, James Ward-Prowse, Jesse Lingard, Aaron Ramsdale, Ben Godfrey and Ben White became the players to miss out on the tournament.
Greenwood withdrew to “recover fully from an underlying injury”, Manchester United said, but the other six were cut from the 33-man provisional squad at Gareth Southgate’s instigation. Alexander-Arnold has a place even though Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker and Reece James have also been included. England’s manager last week raised the prospect of using Alexander-Arnold in midfield, talking up the Liverpool player’s versatility.
Related: Gareth Southgate announces final England squad for Euro 2020 – live!
The omission of Ward-Prowse suggests Southgate is confident regarding the fitness of Jordan Henderson. Lingard excelled at West Ham after joining on loan from United but has not done enough to earn a spot. The goalkeeper Ramsdale was not expected to make final squad and nor were the defenders Godfrey and White in the absence of injuries.
Greenwood played for United in the Europa League final last week, being replaced by Fred 10 minutes into extra time. United said the unspecified injury had also prevented Greenwood from going to the Under-21 European Championship in March.
“Mason’s club appearances were managed carefully to maintain his availability through the intensive 2020-21 Premier League and Europa League schedules,” United said. “But a further spell of tournament football would not be beneficial and Mason will remain at Manchester United to recuperate and prepare for pre-season training.”
England are sweating on the fitness of Harry Maguire, who missed United’s defeat by Villarreal in the Europa League final last week. The centre-back is recovering from damaged ankle ligaments and is a doubt for England’s opener against Croatia on 13 June. Southgate will consider reverting to a back three if Maguire, one of his most important players, is out. That would mean James or Walker playing as a right-sided centre-back, giving Alexander-Arnold a chance of featuring at right wing-back.
