Picking the Ultimate England 2020 Euros Squad: A Tactical Analysis
Choosing the perfect 23-man England squad for the 2020 Euros, if everyone was fully fit, is a complex task. This tactical analysis considers the formation and positional roles, emphasizing the player strengths and potential weaknesses.
Formation and Role Analysis
Given the talent pool, I would opt for a tactical formation of 4.2.3.1, an arrangement known for its balance and versatility. This formation provides a robust defensive structure while maintaining attacking prowess. Here's the squad makeup and reasoning behind each selection.
Goalkeeper: 1 GK
Pickford: GKWhile Pickford has struggled at the club level, his consistency for England is commendable. Henderson has a tough battle ahead as he's been on the bench. Pope's previous international experience makes him the pick over the in-form Darlow and Johnstone.
Right Back: RB
The right-back position is highly competitive. Alexander-Arnold, Walker, Dan James, Wan-Bissaka, and Trippier are all talented players, though their current form and club form may dictate who starts. An in-form Walker is a strong choice due to his international experience and impressive form for Manchester City.
Central Defenders: CBs
James Tarkowski and Emile Smith Rowe are under consideration as backups. However, for now, Stones leads the defense with his excellent form for Manchester City, while Alexandre-Terras remains an alternative.
Left Back: LB
Shaw and Ben Chilwell are both in excellent form, making them strong choices. Belgian Jonathan Cevert could provide further depth. Jack Cork and Ben White also remain options as they continue to perform well domestically.
Defensive Midfielders: DM
Huddlestone and Crowe are primary options, with Phillips serving as a versatile backup. His energy and good passing range make him an ideal choice for this role.
Midfielders: MCs
Mount and Ward-Prowse are solid choices for a box-to-box role. Winks, though good, is currently unavailable due to club obligations. Bellingham, though promising, needs more seasoning before making the breakthrough.
Attacking Midfielders: AMC
The AMC position is excellently filled by Grealish and Foden, with Maddison also a strong contender. Maddison, however, is less versatile and faces the challenge of not being in the current squad.
Wingers: RW
Rashford starts ahead of Sancho due to his form and versatility. However, Albrighton provides a solid option if form continues to drop. Saka also remains a contender, given his excellent form for Arsenal.
Strikers: CF
Harry Kane is the clear choice. Tammy Abraham and Jordan Henderson have had great seasons and would be strong choices if Kane were not available. Other options like Jamie Vardy and Daniel Sturridge offer similar attacking prowess.
Conclusion
Opting for a 4.2.3.1 formation provides the flexibility to adapt to various scenarios, ensuring a balanced team. The key to success lies in player selection based on current form and tactical needs. This analysis outlines the reasoning behind each choice, highlighting the strengths and potential areas of improvement.
By carefully selecting the right 23-man squad, England can enhance their chances of success in the Euros, leveraging the individual talents and collective strength of the team.