England announces 23-man squad for Euro 2020

England national football team manager, Gareth Southgate, has announced the 23-man squad that will represent the country at the upcoming European Championship. The announcement came after weeks of speculation as to who would make the final cut, and Southgate has included a mix of experienced veterans and up-and-coming young players in his squad.

The Squad

The England squad is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone

Defenders: Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Tyrone Mings, Conor Coady, Ben White, Luke Shaw, Reece James

Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Kalvin Phillips, Mason Mount, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka

Forwards: Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Dominic Calvert-Lewin

The Controversial Omissions

As with any major squad announcement, there are always players who feel hard-done by for not being included. The most notable omissions from the England squad are perhaps Eric Dier and Jesse Lingard, who have both been regulars in the team over the past few years.

Other notable players who missed out include James Ward-Prowse, Ollie Watkins, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Southgate has faced criticism from some fans and pundits for leaving out players who have been in good form for their clubs this season.

The Young Guns

One of the most exciting aspects of the England squad is the inclusion of several young players who have burst onto the scene in recent months. Bukayo Saka, for example, has been a standout performer for Arsenal this season, while Jude Bellingham has impressed in his debut season for Borussia Dortmund.

Southgate has also handed a surprise call-up to 23-year-old Brighton defender Ben White, who has impressed during his loan spell at Leeds United this season. The inclusion of such young players shows that Southgate is willing to trust in youth and give them the chance to shine on the international stage.

The Veteran Leaders

While the young players will undoubtedly be looking to make a name for themselves at Euro 2020, it will be the experienced veterans who will be expected to lead the team. Jordan Henderson, in particular, will be crucial both on and off the pitch, with his leadership skills and experience vital to the team's success.

Of course, no discussion of the England squad would be complete without mentioning Harry Kane and Raheem Sterling. Both players have been in excellent form for their clubs this season and will be looking to carry that form into the tournament.

The Road Ahead

With the squad now announced, England fans will be eagerly looking ahead to the team's first game of the tournament. Southgate's side will face Croatia in their opening fixture on June 13th, before taking on Scotland and the Czech Republic in their remaining group games.

There is no doubt that expectations will be high for England at Euro 2020, with many fans hopeful that the team can go all the way and lift the trophy for the first time since 1966. With a squad featuring a blend of youth and experience, there is every reason to believe that this could be England's year.