Euro 2020 Profile England

The major storyline in Euro 2020’s Group D plays out in the opening match: England versus Croatia, a 2018 World Cup semifinals rematch.

Croatia triumphed on that occasion to send the small country to the final and extinguish the “It’s Coming Home” frenzy spreading across England. But heading into the Euro, England’s steady improvement and Croatia’s slight decline make The Three Lions heavy favourites to win Group D. With the group stage and the last knockout rounds at Wembley hopes are high for the Three Lions.

Squad:

Kyle Walker
Kyle Walker

Goalkeepers: Jordan Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford.

Defenders: Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tryone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker.

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

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Phil Foden, Jack

Jordan Henderson
Jordan Henderson

Grealish, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling.

Strengths

Attack: With a front line of Kane, Raheem Sterling and Marcus Rashford, and players like Foden, Jadon Sancho, Jack Grealish and Dominic Calvert-Lewin waiting in the wings, England has as lethal of an attacking group as any team in Europe. In the eight Euro qualifying games, the Three Lions scored four or more goals seven times.

Jadon Sancho
Jadon Sancho

Harry Kane: The England Captain and the Golden boot winner of World Cup 2018 will once again shoulder the nation’s hopes. The Tottenham forward became the first player since Andy Cole in 1994 to become the top scorer and top assister in a Premier League season highlighting his development as a complete centre forward. With Sterling and Sancho yet to hit top form for England, Kane will once again be expected to lead from the front.

Weakness:

Injury Concerns: England’s first choice midfield duo in qualification Declan Rice and

Harry Kane
Harry Kane

Jordan Henderson have struggled with injuries and there are concerns that both won’t be match fit by the time the Euros commence. Playing with a new midfield combination in a tournament will be less than ideal for Southgate. Harry Maguire is also injured and is in race against time to be fit for the Euros.

Goalkeepers: England’s goalkeeping stock isn’t terrible but is also not World class. Pickford has struggled for form this season and was briefly dropped. Henderson hasn’t played a lot for Manchester United this season. There is a sense that England’s goal keeping stock is inferior compared to other contenders.

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