FOOTBALL fans have still got the chance to watch England’s exploits at the European Championships this summer – but from 1996.
With Euro 2020 postponed due to coronavirus, ITV are broadcasting all 31 matches from the tournament best remembered for Gareth Southgate’s penalty miss in the semi-final and the dentists’ chai celebration.
Southgate’s costly mistake tmay have played some part in the current Three Lions boss losing his place in an ultimate combined XI between England’s past and present.
He has been forced to defend his own No.1 Jordan Pickford following a series of errors from the Everton keeper this season.
But fans would have no doubts about David Seaman between the sticks, with the Arsenal legend memorably proving the hero in a penalty shootout win over Spain at Euro 96.
In the Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo debates at full-back, Manchester United icon Gary Neville is just given the edge over Trent Alexander-Arnold.
While Liverpool ace Trent has been tipped to surpass Sky Sports pundit Neville in the future, a hybrid team this summer requires the experience of England’s most-capped right-back.
Stuart Pearce features on the other side of defence, with his historic spot-kick celebration proving to be one of the highlights of Euro 96.
While Arsenal and Manchester United captains Tony Adams and Harry Maguire’s leadership qualities are needed in the centre.
Paul Ince has been chosen over Jordan Henderson as the man to shield the defence with Paul Gascoigne, Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho leading a three-pronged midfield.
Gazza lit-up England’s Euro 96 campaign both with his wondergoal against Scotland and his infamous dentists’ chair celebration.
Former Manchester City teammates Sterling and Sancho were expected to be leading the Young Lions’ hopes for a successful Euro 2020 and get the nod over Darren Andertton and Steve McManaman here.
Manchester United target Sancho had notched an incredible 14 goals and 15 assists for Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund this season.
Sterling has since proven to be one of the best in world football, winning two Premier League titles, a pair of FA Cups and three League Cups with City since his 2015 switch from Liverpool.
And up top, Alan Shearer and Harry Kane lead the line in an all-star attack, with the former becoming Euro 96’s Golden Boot winner.
Tottenham hero Kane also became the tournament’s top goalscorer in the last competition he played for England – World Cup 2018.
Harry Kane has Tottenham shirts hanging on walls of his house from win over Man Utd and first Champions League hat-trick
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
