Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is reportedly on the verge of missing out on England's Euros squad with right-backs Kyle Walker, Reece James and Kieran Trippier preferred by head coach Gareth Southgate. The 22-year-old old defender is among seven players that are expected to pack their bags and leave the Three Lions' camp ahead of the upcoming competition.
Once again, England's invariable squad depth has given head coach Gareth Southgate a dilemma to solve. The 50-year-old manager named a provisional 33-man Euros squad last week, and is expected to trim down his options to 26 before UEFA's deadline of June 1. With most of the names in the mix being on top form, factors such as potential injury and fitness concerns are expected to aid the selection process.
Players such as Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson - despite being called - still remain doubtful for the finals. Similarly, Manchester United's Marcus Rashford could be forced to withdraw the side after playing throughout the just ended league season with a reccuring foot injury. While a definite decision is yet to be made on the fate of the aforementioned, a report that emerged in the UK media on Monday suggested that Trent-Alexander Arnold may be overlooked despite finishing last season on a high with Liverpool.
The full-back had a rough patch early on in the campaign but came off good to aid the Merseysiders in their bid to secure Champions League football next season. However, ESPN's James Olley claims that the player will not be selected for the final squad list with Walker, James and Trippier all considered to be ahead of him in the pecking order.
Relatively, Southampton's James Ward-Prowse, Sheffield United keeper Aaron Ramsdale, Everton defender Ben Godfrey, Brighton centre-back Ben White and Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins have been identified among those who will most likely be shown the exit door by Southgate.
After the announcement, England will prepare for their first Group D game versus Croatia on June 13 with a friendly against Austria in Middlesborough on Wednesday. Squad players who had continental cup commitments for Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United are expected to join up in the coming days.
Below is England's 33-man provisional squad for the European championship:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Conor Coady, Ben Godfrey, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Tyrone Mings, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Ben White
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Mason Greenwood, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Ollie Watkins.
