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The seven players Southgate should cut from the England squad: Saka, Greenwood, Watkins…

Alexander-Arnold set to stay, but for young stars Greenwood and Saka it is a case of so near yet so far.

We moved a step closer to knowing who will carry England's hopes in Euro 2020 this week when Gareth Southgate named a provisional 33-man squad.

Southgate was expected to announce his final 26-man squad this week, but after injuries to Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips left their inclusion uncertain, the Three Lions boss instead opted to take more time.

Maguire suffered ankle ligament damage earlier this month, forcing the Manchester United captain to miss Premier League games against Fulham, Liverpool, Leicester and Wolves.

Meanwhile, in the dying embers of Leeds United's home clash with West Brom, a lunging Phillips tackle left him clutching his shoulder and anxiously awaiting scan results.

Usually Southgate would have to trim the squad to just 23 players. But, in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, UEFA have expanded squad sizes to 26, leaving the England boss less awkward phone calls to make.

With the June 1 deadline fast approaching, Planet Sport looks at the seven players who are surplus to requirements for Euro 2020.

Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale, Sheffield United, Goalkeeper, in play
Southgate's provisional squad involved four goalkeepers, with the two surprise additions coming in the shape of Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone.

With England likely to take three goalkeepers to the tournament, both know they're at risk of being cut from the squad.

After being heavily involved in England's recent World Cup qualifiers, Nick Pope looked certain to be one of the three. However, knee surgery has ruled him out of the tournament.

The starting will be hotly contested between Dean Henderson and Jordan Pickford, leaving one of Ramsdale and Johnstone to make up the numbers.

While both Ramsdale and Johnstone were relegated, with Sheffield United and West Brom respectively, the Baggies stopper emerged from his side's demotion with his reputation enhanced.

Chances are that neither will leave the bench should they be called up. Nevertheless, you would much rather it was Johnstone sat twiddling his thumbs on the sidelines than the error-prone Ramsdale.

Ramsdale is currently considered at 3/1 to make the final England squad - via Sky Bet

Ben Godfrey

After making a £25million switch from Norwich to Everton last year, Godfrey has gone from strength to strength.

At just 23 years old, Godfrey has established himself as a regular starter for Carlo Ancelotti's side, and has been one of their standout performers in the league.

With Harry Maguire's availability still uncertain, Godfrey's best chances of making the squad may be for his defensive counterpart to remain sidelined.

But with the likes of Conor Coady and Tyrone Mings also making the squad, Godfrey is still a way down Southgate's pecking order.

Godfrey also boasts no senior international appearances, with nine under-21 caps being the sum total of his England involvement. As impressive as he has been this season, this is not to the time to be taking an international rookie to tournament, let alone a defensive one.

Ben White

After being subject to a £25million bid from Leeds United this season, and more recently linked with moves to Liverpool and Manchester United, it comes as no surprise that Ben White is also sought after by England.

White's return to Brighton has been a breath of fresh air, with the young defender pivotal to Graham Potter's system.

White has shown the versatility to play either centre-back, right-back or as a defensive midfielder. In a packed summer schedule, he could prove a useful squad player.

But despite his adaptability, much like Godfrey, White simply lacks the experience at international level.

Unfortunately, it seems Euro 2020 has come around too soon for both White and Godfrey, leaving Chelsea's Chilwell as the sole Ben in the squad. And Alexander-Arnold as the only Trent. 

Both White and Godfrey are currently 7/4 to be included in the final 26-man squad.

James Ward-Prowse

While Southgate waits anxiously for positive news on long-term absentee Jordan Henderson and recent crock Phillips, Ward-Prowse will be equally expectant.

While others struggle with injury, Ward-Prowse can boast to be one of only two outfield players who played every Premier League minute this season (Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg was the other).

But despite his remarkable longevity, Ward-Prowse's international career has coughed and spluttered since his first call up in 2017.

It's hard to make a case for the Southampton man when the competition is Declan Rice, Mason Mount and Jude Bellingham. He's neat and tidy and takes a mean free-kick but he's simply not cool enough to be part of a dynamic young England side. He's 26 for heaven's sake.

Ward-Prowse is currently 1/4 to make the final England squad.

Bukayo Saka

There's no doubt that Saka has been a shining light in an otherwise dismal season for Arsenal.

The 19-year-old's attacking threat paired with his pace and eye for a pass would make him an asset for many an international manager.

With the ability to play either wing-back or as a winger, Saka's inclusion would allow Southgate to experiment with different formations and systems.

But despite his undoubtable talent and versatility, England have an embarrassment of riches out wide.

Jadon Sancho, Raheem SterlingMarcus Rashford and Jesse Lingard can all offer width, while Jack Grealish and Phil Foden are more dependable creative outlets than the Arsenal starlet. And with the left-back spot already being contested by Luke Shaw and Ben Chilwell, there is simply no space for Saka - even with an extended 26-man squad.

Bukayo Saka is currently 4/6 to be included in the squad.

Mason Greenwood

Greenwood's introduction to the England camp didn't end well, but given his recent form and the successful reintegration of fellow COVID-19 rebel Phil Foden, Southgate had little option but to return him to the fold.

After a less than convincing start to the season, Greenwood has hit form at just the right time. Six goals and an assist from eight games pushed him back to the forefront of Southgate's thinking.

However, while Southgate says he has forgiven his misdemeanours in Iceland he won't have forgotten. 

Time to book your summer holidays Mason. I hear Iceland's nice at this time of year.

Greenwood is currently 1/3 to make the England squad.

Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa, Premier League,

From his rise through the ranks at Exeter to his emergence at Brentford and subsequent big money move to Aston Villa, Watkins' career has followed a fascinating trajectory.

And after scoring on his England debut against San Marino, there are those who think Watkins can soar even higher.

However, when pitted against the likes of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Harry Kane, Watkins simply doesn't compare, or offer anything new to England's attacking threat.

Fourteen Premier League goals put Watkins in the provisional squad ahead of Patrick Bamford (17 goals). However, it is a small victory for the Villa striker. The Euro 2020 dream will be over next week. 

Watkins is currently 6/4 to be involved in the England squad.

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