England boss Gareth Southgate makes seven ruthless decisions as Euro 2020 squad named

England manager Gareth Southgate has named his final 26-man squad for Euro 2020, with Trent Alexander-Arnold included but Jesse Lingard and Ollie Watkins among those to miss out. The Three Lions enter the competition looking to win a first trophy since the World Cup back in 1966, and there have been some big calls made by Southgate as they go in search of glory.

Liverpool right-back Alexander-Arnold has been the subject of much debate but is included as one of four right-backs alongside Chelsea’s Reece James, Manchester City defender Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier of Atletico Madrid.

Manchester United’s Lingard, who shone on loan at West Ham after joining the Hammers in January, is among the high-profile casualties however.

That’s despite the 28-year-old helping his temporary club to qualify for the Europa League and contributing nine goals and five assists in just 16 Premier League games under David Moyes.

Brighton centre-half Ben White and Everton defender Ben Godfrey also drop out having made the 33-man provisional squad without yet having made their Three Lions debuts.

Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is cut in favour of Everton stopper Jordan Pickford, Man United’s Dean Henderson and West Brom’s Sam Johnstone.

There’s also no place for Aston Villa’s Watkins despite a strong debut campaign at Villa Park in which he scored 14 times as well as producing five assists.

The sixth exclusion is Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse, who enjoyed a fine season with the Saints. The 26-year-old racked up nine goals and seven assists in 44 outings for the south coast club but will not be playing at the Euros.

And the seventh player who misses out from the initial 33 is Man United hitman Mason Greenwood but he was forced withdrew due to injury earlier on Tuesday.

A statement from United read: “Manchester United striker Mason Greenwood has withdrawn from the provisional England Euro 2020 squad, in order to recover fully from an underlying injury that also kept him out of the Under-21 European Championship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.

“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 have never won the Euros – and have never even made the final either since it begin in 1958.

The Three Lions were poor at the last tournament, losing to Iceland in the round of 16 on a chastening night that saw Roy Hodgson resign in the aftermath.