UNCAPPED Ben White and Ben Godfrey have been named in England’s provisional Euro 2020 squad – but Eric Dier has been axed after a dismal season with Tottenham.
Brighton defender White and Everton’s Godfrey are part of a 33-man group chosen by boss Gareth Southgate, but Dier is the biggest casualty.
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Jesse Lingard, Jude Bellingham and Mason Greenwood will all report for duty this weekend but there is no place for Southampton striker Danny Ings.
Trent Alexander-Arnold has been included as one of four right-backs, and in goal Sheffield United’s Aaron Ramsdale will also train with the senior squad with Nick Pope missing out through injury.
Southgate has also drafted Jordan Henderson in despite not playing for three months, and Kalvin Phillips is fit to link up despite injuring his shoulder in the final game of the season for Leeds.
Leicester City star James Maddison has also missed out despite his stunning form for the FA Cup winners.
Meanwhile, Dele Alli did not make it after struggling to even make the Spurs starting XI during this campaign.
With 12 players involved in the Europa League and Champions League finals this week there was no way the England boss was going to be able to settle on his actual squad this week.
Instead those not involved with Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United will report on Saturday for training ahead of the friendly against Austria on June 2.
Southgate has to whittle his final squad down to 26 to submit to Uefa on June 1 – but there is the chance to replace anyone who gets injured or falls ill up until 24 hours before their opening game against Croatia.
So there is every chance some will figure at least in the Austria warm-up game who already know they have not made the final cut for the tournament, being placed on the stand-by list in case of any late pull-outs.
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Uefa ruled earlier this month that teams could choose 26 players instead of 23 for the tournament.
He will announce his final 26-man squad for the tournament on Tuesday 1 June.
Southgate said: “There are 12 players still to play so we’re always going to need additional players and added to that we have some injuries at different stages, that we have very little info about.
“We felt more time will help us make better decisions.
“Our preference was to name the 26, but we have not got an ideal hand of cards – a lot of unknowns. Info and evidence are very important and we will have a lot more in the next seven days.
When quizzed on Alexander-Arnold’s recall, the boss said: “You’re looking at four right-backs, I just see four good footballers.
“Kieran Trippier can play at left-back. Alexander-Arnold can play at wing-back, I think he can play midfield.
“I’ve seen Reece James play on the right side of a back three, at wing-back and as a midfielder. Those flexible players who can fulfil different roles will be hugely important.”
On Godfrey and White’s inclusions, Southgate added: “They are both exciting young defenders.
“They are flexible, they play in different roles, this is a great opportunity to get to know them a bit better and for them to work with the team.
“There is no way of knowing how long they will be with us at this stage but it should be a fantastic experience for them.”
Discussing the decision to axe Dier, Southgate said: “Unfortunately I just don’t think his season has been long enough to be in the squad and that is a difficult call because I know how much he brings to the whole group.
“When you are at a tournament the players who put the team first are critical. It wasn’t an easy conversation but he is an outstanding professional and took the news in a professional way.”
England take Austria on June 2 and Romania four days later as pre-tournament warm-ups with both games at Middlesbrough.
The Three Lions England kick off their Euro 2020 campaign against Croatia on June 13 before facing Scotland and Czech Republic in the group stage.
ENGLAND PLAYERS IN CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL
CHELSEA: Chilwell, James, Mount.
MAN CITY: Walker, Stones, Foden, Sterling.
PLAYERS IN EUROPA LEAGUE FINAL
MAN UTD: Henderson, Shaw, Maguire, Rashford, Greenwood.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
