England Euro 2020 Starting Lineup Confirmed

The England national team has confirmed their starting lineup for the Euro 2020 tournament, with some surprise inclusions and exclusions. Manager Gareth Southgate has opted for a 4-2-3-1 formation, with some of the Premier League's top talents leading the charge.

Goalkeeper and Defense

Between the sticks, Manchester United's Dean Henderson will start in place of the injured Jordan Pickford. In defense, Southgate has gone for a back four of Kyle Walker, John Stones, Tyrone Mings, and Luke Shaw. This is a solid defense that has conceded just once in their last six games, including clean sheets against Austria and Romania in their pre-tournament friendlies.

Midfield

In midfield, Southgate has opted for a double pivot of Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips. This is a hard-working midfield duo that will provide cover for the defense, while also being able to push forward and link up with the attack. Ahead of them, Southgate has gone for a trio of Jack Grealish, Mason Mount, and Raheem Sterling. Grealish has been in impressive form for Aston Villa, and his creativity will be crucial in unlocking opposition defenses. Mount has had a superb season with Chelsea, and his technical ability will be important in keeping possession and creating chances. Sterling, meanwhile, offers pace and a deadly eye for goal.

Striker

Leading the line for England will be Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane. Kane finished as the Premier League's top scorer for the third time in his career this season, and his goalscoring prowess will be essential if England are to go far in the tournament. He will be hoping to add to his impressive tally of 34 international goals.

Bench Options

Southgate also has a strong bench at his disposal, with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, and Jadon Sancho all ready to make an impact. Rashford has been in fine form for Manchester United, while Foden has shown his potential for Manchester City. Sancho, meanwhile, has been linked with a big-money move to Manchester United, and his pace and trickery could prove crucial in tight games. With such a strong squad, England will be hoping to make a real impact in the tournament.

Tournament Outlook

England have been drawn in Group D alongside Croatia, Scotland, and the Czech Republic. While it won't be an easy group, England will be expected to progress to the knockout stages. If they can finish top of their group, they will face one of the third-placed teams from Groups B, E, or F in the round of 16.

If England can make it past the round of 16, they will face a tough challenge in the quarter-finals. Possible opponents include the likes of France, Portugal, and Germany. However, with the likes of Kane, Grealish, and Mount firing on all cylinders, England will believe that they can beat anyone on their day.

All eyes will be on England as they look to win their first major tournament since the 1966 World Cup. With such a talented squad and a manager who has shown he can handle the pressure of major tournaments, England will be hoping to go all the way and bring the trophy back home.