Euro 2020 news LIVE: Latest updates ahead of England squad announcement

Euro 2020 is just a matter of weeks from getting underway on 11 June and Gareth Southgate will announce England’s 26-man squad tomorrow afternoon at St George’s Park.

The final round of Premier League fixtures added yet more uncertainty for the Three Lions, with Kalvin Phillips suffering a “devastating” shoulder injury during Leeds’ victory against West Brom, while Burnley confirmed goalkeeper Nick Pope will undergo surgery on his knee. Questions remain over the inclusion of Trent Alexander-Arnold, too, with England yet to show any inclination that the full-back will be picked, despite a resurgence in his form at Liverpool. Meanwhile, the Champions League and Europa League finals this week could yet raise more injury concerns.

Favourites France have already confirmed their squad, with Karim Benzema receiving a shock call-up for the first time since 2015. Meanwhile, after the turmoil that overshadowed their 2018 World Cup campaign, Spain are set to announce their squad today. World No 1 ranked side Belgium have also already confirmed their squad, with Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku all included. Depending champions Portugal will name their squad this week, as will Italy. Follow all the latest news below:

The case for Trent Alexander-Arnold

Liverpool’s end-of-season run to the Premier League’s top four was fuelled, in part, by the performances of Trent Alexander-Arnold, who responded to being left out of England’s squad in March by producing some of his best displays of the season in the final few weeks of the campaign.

The 22-year-old’s place in England’s squad remains in doubt, however, with Liverpool reportedly expecting that the full-back will not be included in Southgate’s plans. Here, Independent football writer Tony Evans makes the case for selecting the right-back over the other high quality options in the position, Reece James, Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier.

“Alexander-Arnold is still a notch above. His passing is superior and his pace is at least the match of his rivals. His vision sets him apart. If Southgate requires him to be more circumspect and take on a deeper role, he will listen to instruction.

“Things might be different if Southgate’s other choices were known for their defending but all three are thoroughly modern operators who love to function in the opposition half.

“But if an international manager can afford to leave someone this talented at home for a tournament, then his team had better go a long, long way in the competition or serious questions will be asked. That’s an even bigger risk for Southgate than picking Alexander-Arnold.”

The case for Trent Alexander-Arnold

Gareth Southgate has a host of high quality options to pick from at right-back but the Reds defender remains a rare difference-maker from the position and should be in the squad

Aymeric Laporte set for Spain call-up

The headline name in Spain’s squad for Euro 2020 is set to be Manchester City defender Aymeric Laporte, after his switch from France was approved by Fifa last week.

The centre back represented France at youth level but did not receive a call-up to the senior side, despite impressing for Athletic Bilboa and City in recent seasons. Laporte was born in France but moved to Spain in 2010 to join Athletic’s youth academy.

Sergio Ramos is expected to lead the team, although there were some doubts that the Real Madrid captain would be included following an injury-hit final few weeks of the campaign. There were also reports that he had stated his desire to instead play for Spain at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets are the other names who remain from Spain’s golden generation, while Thiago, Koke and David de Gea are also expected to be senior figures in the squad.

Luis Enrique’s selection is set to be a youthful one, however, with Barcelona youngsters Pedri and Ansu Fati tipped for inclusion.

England suffer Kalvin Phillips injury scare

Leeds United midfielder Kalvin Phillips sustained a shoulder injury in the final minute of his side’s Premier League season, in what will be a huge concern to Gareth Southgate ahead of Tuesday’s announcement.

Phillips started all three of England’s World Cup qualifiers earlier this year and was expected to start alongside Declan Rice in Southgate’s midfield. The extent of the injury is not known but the 25-year-old was in discomfort and had to be removed from play.

“I couldn’t tell you if the injury is severe or not but I hope that he can go to the Euro,” Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa told BT Sport after the match.

“Sincerely I haven’t received any information as to the gravity of the injury. We all hope that it’s something that can be resolved quickly.

“Knowing the fortitude of Kalvin, I know he has the resources to quicken any problem he may have.”

Phillips was out for a month earlier this season with a shoulder injury, missing three matches for Leeds between October and November.

Many countries have already named their squads, including France, Germany and Scotland. You can track every player selected here.

Spain will be the latest team to announce their group today when Luis Enrique reveals his squad. That is expected to take place at 11am BST.

Euro 2020 squads: Team announcements and every player selected

Every 26-man squad for Euro 2020

Good morning and welcome to The Independent’s daily live blog of Euro 2020 build-up, encompassing all the news, rumours and features ahead of the tournament this summer. With another Premier League season in the books, attention now turns to Gareth Southgate’s squad announcement, with the England manager revealing his 26-man group on Tuesday. There are still plenty of question marks over who Southgate is going to take, especially when it comes to Liverpool right back Trent Alexander-Arnold, while there are a group of players from Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United who have European finals to play in this week.

Source: Read Full Article