GARETH SOUTHGATE’S Euro 2020 plans face a crunch period this month.
The England boss has an embarrassment of riches to choose from as he ponders his final squad selection for the summer showpiece.
How England could line-up at Euro 2020 if Matt Targett takes his chance to impress
Targett could be given a chance to shine for EnglandCredit: Getty
Three Lions hopefuls will have an opportunity to stake their claim for a shot at helping England claim a first tournament win since 1966 in just a couple of weeks time.
Southgate’s men take on San Marino, Albania and Poland before the end of March in World Cup qualifiers that could have a lot more than just Qatar 2022 at stake.
A number of stars are battling it out for positions, with left-back one of the most hotly-debated topics.
The latest reports claim Southgate is considering a call-up for Aston Villa’s Matt Targett.
The England boss has been impressed with the 25-year-old’s form for Dean Smith’s side and is weighing up whether to include him.
Targett has started all 25 of Villa’s Premier League games and helped them to keep 13 clean sheets.
He could challenge fellow in-form star Luke Shaw for the left-back role after his sensational form for the Red Devils.
But with Southgate also being a big fan of a back three flanked by wing-backs, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka could be picked after a sensational season that has already brought international recognition for the 19-year-old back in November.
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Dates for the diary
The versatile Gunners youngster could find his best way into the side is playing further back than he is used to under Mikel Arteta – as Southgate is blessed with huge pool of talent to select from.
Fellow contender Ben Chilwell has been left out on a number of occasions under new Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel.
Harry Kane’s return to form is a welcome boost for Southgate in attack, with Marcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling likely to start either side of him.
Mason Greenwood had hoped to establish himself in the Three Lions fold before he was involved in THAT infamous Iceland incident, but a late flourish at United this term could see him squeeze his way back into the side.
Meanwhile, Liverpool’s injured skipper Jordan Henderson should be recovered in time for the summer showpiece, and he could be joined in the middle by two of England’s best attacking midfielders.
Jack Grealish showed Southgate exactly what he could do in the Autumn internationals and Phil Foden is in the running to pick up player of the year for champions-elect Man City.
England kick-off their Euro 2020 campaign against Croatia on June 13 before taking on Scotland and Czech Republic in Group D.
This is what many thought the line-up would be this summer back in in October
England boss Gareth Southgate backs bid to stage Euro 2020 matches in UK
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
