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England: 5 players Gareth Southgate absolutely must take to Euro 2021

By Richard Tynan

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: A general view of Wembley stadium advertising the Euro's football tournament on March 20, 2020 in London, England. Coronavirus (Covid-19) has spread to at least 182 countries, claiming over 10,000 lives and infecting almost 250,000. There have now been 3,269 diagnosed cases in the UK and 144 deaths. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 20: A general view of Wembley stadium advertising the Euro's football tournament on March 20, 2020 in London, England. Coronavirus (Covid-19) has spread to at least 182 countries, claiming over 10,000 lives and infecting almost 250,000. There have now been 3,269 diagnosed cases in the UK and 144 deaths. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images) /
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Gareth Southgate, England
Gareth Southgate, England (Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images) /

Gareth Southgate will have to be brave and bold if his England side are to win Euro 2021…

It’s no secret that England teams have rarely lived up to expectations. What does seem apparent, however, to me at least, is how to rectify this problem.

Firstly, the media pressure on the team needs to lessen. You can’t call a team “The Golden Generation” of football just because of the potential of some players.

Secondly, and similarly, you cannot select players based purely on the weight their name carries or their performances in previous competitions.

This is why, when the national media didn’t give England much hope before the 2018 World Cup finals commenced, the pressure going into them was minimal.

Couple this with Gareth Southgate’s selection of players that were in fine form for the season – Stones, Maguire, Sterling, Trippier and Kane, to name a few – and England managed to reach the semi-finals.

Not only that, but they won a penalty shootout! Something I had begun to question whether or not I would actually see in my lifetime…and I’m only 23.

So, how can England, the team that are favourites for the upcoming Euros (now taking place in 2021) go the distance and bring the trophy home? It starts with making some brave choices.

With this in mind, let’s consider 5 players Southgate must take to Euro 2021.

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