Introduction

With the European Championships fast approaching, excitement is building around the world as the best football teams in Europe prepare to do battle. One team that always generates a lot of interest is England, who have just announced their squad for the tournament. In this article, we will take a closer look at the players who have made the cut, as well as some of the players who missed out on a place in the squad.

The Squad

Gareth Southgate, the England manager, has named a 26-man squad for the tournament, which includes some big names from the Premier League. Jordan Henderson, who recently returned from injury, has made the squad, along with Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Marcus Rashford. There are also some surprise selections, such as Jude Bellingham, who is only 17 years old and is yet to play a full season in the Bundesliga.

There are a few notable absentees from the squad, including James Maddison, who had an impressive season with Leicester City, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who is widely regarded as one of the best defensive full-backs in the Premier League. However, Southgate has opted for a mix of youth and experience, and will be hoping that his squad can perform well in the tournament.

The Tactics

Southgate is known for his tactical flexibility, and it will be interesting to see how he sets up his team for the tournament. England have a wealth of attacking talent, and will likely look to play a high-pressing, possession-based game. The likes of Mason Mount, Phil Foden, and Jack Grealish will be key players in this system, as they are all comfortable on the ball and can create chances for their teammates.

At the back, England have a solid defense, with the likes of Harry Maguire and John Stones likely to start in central defense. The full-back positions are a bit more uncertain, with the likes of Kyle Walker, Reece James, and Kieran Trippier all vying for a starting spot. Jordan Pickford is likely to be the first-choice goalkeeper, with Dean Henderson providing competition.

The Expectations

England are always a team that is expected to do well in major tournaments, and the European Championships will be no different. The squad that Southgate has selected is a strong one, and fans will be hoping that the team can win their first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup. However, there will be a lot of competition, with teams like France, Belgium, and Germany all in contention.

One thing is for sure – the tournament will be an exciting one, full of drama and tension. With the likes of Kane, Sterling, and Rashford leading the attack, Southgate's England will be a team to watch, and fans around the world will be hoping to see them do well in the tournament.

Conclusion

The announcement of the England squad for the European Championships has generated a lot of excitement among football fans around the world. With a mix of youth and experience, as well as some surprise selections, the squad looks strong and capable of going deep in the tournament. It will be interesting to see how Southgate sets up his team tactically, and whether they can live up to the expectations that come with being an England team in a major tournament. Whatever happens, it is sure to be an exciting few weeks of football, and fans around the world will be eagerly following the action.