England squad numbers revealed and hint Jack Grealish will play key role – but what does Trent Alexander-Arnold’s mean?

ASTON VILLA star Jack Grealish could play a huge part for England at Euro 2020 having been handed the iconic No7 shirt.

The 25-year-old – who has been linked with a summer switch to Manchester City – dazzled for the Villans during the 2020-21 season.

In just 26 Premier League games, the former Villa Park skipper chipped in with six goals and 12 assists.

And Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate will be hoping he continues his fine form as he looks to reach back-to-back semi-finals in major tournaments.

Grealish revealed he had “goosebumps” when he received the news.

He said: “I told my mum! I actually rang her just to tell her I had the No7 shirt. It’s always been one of my favourite  numbers, seven and ten.

“I was actually shocked to be honest. No7 at a major tournament? It’s something I will cherish forever. As soon as I got told on a WhatsApp text,  I was over the moon. I had goosebumps.

“It wasn’t too long ago I was getting my debut and here I am in the squad.

“That’s what I’ve dreamt about, you know, playing in a major tournament  for England.

“I knew I had the ability to do it and, obviously, I’ve had a good season this year. I’m delighted to be in. Gareth briefed us before training and told us. I was going out to training buzzing.”

Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold has been included in England’s final 26-man squad after weeks of speculation, though Southgate has hinted he may not be starting at the back.

In total, FOUR right-backs were named in the 26-man squad, with Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier and Reece James all joining Alexander-Arnold.

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Manchester City’s Walker is the most-likely starter in a back four and has been handed the traditional No2 jersey, with Alexander-Arnold to wear the No22 at Euro 2020.

Southgate declared recently that Alexander-Arnold – who wears the No66 at Anfield – could feature in midfield due to his brilliant passing range.

When speaking of the prospect of him featuring in the middle of the pitch, Southgate remarked: “I think there is no doubt he could.

“Of course the difficulty is he hasn’t had the opportunity to do that since he was a younger player and that’s where he came through in Liverpool’s academy.

“He’s a fantastic passer of the ball and he has great passing vision. So he’s a playmaker from right-back, that’s kind of what he is.

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“So why wouldn’t that lend itself at some point of his career to being in midfield?”

Speaking after the squad announcement, Southgate added: “We have four players that play sometimes at right-back for their clubs.

“Kieran has been playing at wing-back, Reece has played right of a three or wing-back, Trent plays at right-back and Kyle has played centre-half for us in a three and has also played at left-back against Denmark.

“Basically they are in the best 26 footballers and that is why they are in the squad. If I could have picked five or six right-backs I would have done.

Jordan Pickford could start between the sticks having been handed the No1 jersey, while Luke Shaw will wear the No3 shirt in a sign he will start ahead of Ben Chilwell at left-back.

John Stones and Harry Maguire have been handed the No 5 and 6 jerseys respectively in a hint they could be the starting centre-backs.

Holding midfielder Declan Rice will wear the No4, with Jordan Henderson given the No8.

Skipper Harry Kane (No9) will be leading the lane, with Raheem Sterling (No10) and Marcus Rashford (No11) also in contention to start.

Chelsea duo Mason Mount (No19) and Reece James (No24) have been given the same numbers as what they wear at Stamford Bridge.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk