Delayed to 2021 and still being held in ten towns across Europe, England will be hoping to build on one of the best results in a World Cup that they have ever had in 2018 and will be aiming to lift the trophy when the final is played in London. Many were betting on England to do well at this year’s Championships before they were postponed and that optimism continues for 2021 with various betting sites like Findbettingsites offering high odds on England’s success. The group has been drawn and England will be facing Scotland, Croatia and the Czech Republic, a group England will be hoping to dominate.
This is no surprise when considering the young squad that still have a year to develop and improve and Gareth Southgate, the manager, who has given England fans a new optimism. Here is a list of some of the young players who could become top stars for England at the Euro 2021.
Jadon Sancho
Although most English players ply their trade in the Premier League, possibly the most exciting of the whole squad plays his football for the German side Borussia Dortmund. Jadon Sancho is a twenty year old winger who has impressed pundits, fans and opponents with his silky feet and incredible goal and assist tally.
Dortmund have played really attractive football in the last couple of years, being incredibly effective in fast paced counter attacks that almost always finish in a big chance if not a goal, and whilst the whole team has been performing really well, Sancho has still stood out thanks to the quality of his skills and composure and speed of his comprehension, awareness and execution of his game.
He already has a decent amount of England experience for his age and for most fans, he would be one of the first names on the team sheet. If he can form an effective partnership with players like Harry Kane and Jack Grealish or Raheem Sterling, then England could have one of the best front lines in the world.
Liverpool stars
In England, Liverpool have massively dominated this season, with them lifting the trophy all but guaranteed. They do feature some homegrown talent, namely captain Jordan Henderson and youngster Trent Alexander Arnold. Henderson has faced a lot of criticisms and doubters throughout his career, being especially scrutinised whenever he laced up for England.
Pundits said that his game was too boring and sideways and he was not creative enough for the role he played in the team, but he has proven his detractors wrong by consistently being one of Liverpool's top performers and scoring very important goals. His influence in the side is huge and the role he plays as the team’s leader has been essential to their domestic and European success.
Trent Alexander Arnold has been the undisputed right back in the Anfield starting eleven and has impressed so many with his general play but especially top class crossing and movement. He has provided countless assists to his attackers and whilst his defensive ability is sometimes shaky, when he adventures forward, he usually proves himself to be indispensable to the attack.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Everton’s starting striker, Calvert-Lewin has transformed under Carlo Ancelotti. Just a year ago, he was considered an average Premier League striker and there was some doubt over his capacity to start for Everton. Since then, he has suddenly massively improved and is now lethal around the box.
He has an ability to end up in the right place and his play in the air is second to none. He scores many headers, but he is also useful in build-up play, and often has silky tricks and flicks to help his team. Harry Kane does currently deserve the starting position, however who knows what could happen in a year.
Jack Grealish
Jack Grealish will be hoping to make his way into the Euro squad. England have desperately lacked creativity in midfield for years, and Grealish will be hoping to provide the midfield with an extra spark that could unlock defences that England have struggled to find in recent years.
Grealish is used to fierce adversity having successfully battled for promotion from the Championship and even getting infamously punched in the head by a fan. Many fans feel that he has deserved more starts for England, and Southgate does seem to have some sort of bias against him. However, Grealish has not complained and seems very happy to fight for his place. When he has started for England, he has looked very bright and fans will be expecting Southgate to pick him.
Bukayo Saka
Bukayo Saka is another player who will be itching to play for England in 2021. He was virtually unheard of before last season but gained entry to the team thanks to injuries to every left back at Arsenal. Since then, he has slotted into left wing, left wing back, right wing, attacking midfield and defensive midfield. His versatility and calmness on the ball make him seem far older than he is.
Nicknamed the “Little Chili” he is a firm fan favourite at the Emirates. Having now picked up a few caps, Saka is starting to impose himself in the squad, and if his performances continue, it will be impossible for Southgate to not pick him. Saka managed to get Man of the Match against the Republic of Ireland and he truly seems to have something very special about him.
Mason Greenwood
Mason Greenwood is a young Manchester United striker who will be vying for a squad position in the Euros and potentially being a super sub or even perhaps better. Even he cannot tell what foot is his stronger, and his game is characterised by speed and power.
With more experience, he will mature, and his composure and decision making should also improve. Although it would take a phenomenal season for him to take Harry Kane’s position, the Tottenham can get injured or suspended and Greenwood will be ready to jump straight into his place.