UEFA Euro 2021 preview: Can England put an end to its major title drought?

The UEFA Euro 2020 is all set to light up the stage of European football. With contenders aplenty, England happens to be one such team that is undoubtedly a powerhouse in the tournament. However, it has never come close to winning it, while this could be its turn.

The 2020 UEFA Euro keeps building its excitement as the date draws near. While we will have numerous top teams in contention for the title, a few who, despite never winning the title, pose a severe threat to their opponents.

One such team happens to be England that, despite being a powerhouse, has never come close to winning it. However, with the possession of highly talented players and its recent good run on the international stage, it could all change this term as we present its preview for the tournament.

Team composition
The goalkeeping department would be headlined by Jordan Pickford, who happened to be the best English goalkeeper this season while rising star Dean Henderson would assist him.

In the defence, Kyle Walker happens to be the most experienced of the lot and would be the one to lead the department, while John Stones, Harry Maguire, Ben Chilwell, Luke Shaw and Reece James are a few who could prove to be rock strong at the back.

As for the midfield, it would be led by Jordan Henderson, who has played 58 games to date. However, the lack of enough experience in the sector is a concern. Yet, it has big players like Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka.

Considering the forward line-up, Raheem Sterling would be a significant force in the field, owing to his 61-game appearances. At the same time, skipper Harry Kane, along with Marcus Rashford, would have some task at hand and need to be at their absolute best.

Players to watch out
Kane: The Tottenham Hotspur strike continues to be a significant force at the forward for his club. Although Spurs did not have the best of the season, he was its star player, while his consistency with England is applaudable, as he would have a task at hand in the competition.

Sancho: The Borussia Dortmund midfielder had a tough season in the Bundesliga. However, he remains an integral member in the English midfield, while playing alongside the experienced Henderson is likely to do him great good. Besides decent goal-scoring abilities, he will have to highly rely on his play-making and assisting skills.

Shaw: The Manchester United defender might not have played enough games for England. However, known for his sublime ability to rise down the wings and assist with the attacks, he will undoubtedly have a prominent role to play.

Walker: The Manchester City defender was a force in the defensive line-up of his club this season, with the side hardly allowing the opponents to breakthrough. Furthermore, being an English veteran, he is likely to develop a similar performance in this tournament. However, he needs to be extra careful, as it won't be as easy and smooth as his club.

England squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson and Sam Johnstone.
Defenders: Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier, Ben Chilwell, Luke Shaw, Tyrone Mings, Reece James and Conor Coady.
Midfielders: Jordan Henderson, Jadon Sancho, Declan Rice, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Jude Bellingham.
Strikers: Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

Chances and predictions
England has never reached the final of the Euros, while it managed to finish third in 1968 and 1996. Although the side has been doing great under Gareth Southgate, having finished fourth in the FIFA World Cup 2018, it could fancy its chances this term.

Although it is in an easy group against Scotland, Croatia and Czech Republic, it would have a tough task in the pre-quarters, facing either France, Germany and Portugal. However, with the depth the squad has this term, it is a solid favourite to reach the final and could even bring it home.

England schedule
June 13: vs Croatia (London)
June 18: vs Scotland (London)
June 22: vs Czech Republic (London)

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