Can England’s young lions claim the Euro 2020 trophy?

07/06/21 1879

England may have their best chance since 1996 to win the UEFA European Championship finals. The Three Lions are in the midst of a golden generation with a manager that isn’t afraid to call in up and coming players.

The national team have come a long way over the last decade. Just 10 years ago, managers were continually calling in big names that failed at the highest international level repeatedly.

But current manager Gareth Southgate offers young players the chance to excel.

It is England’s young players that could lead them to glory this summer at the Euro 2020 tournament. Three years ago, at the 2018 World Cup, England were dependent on Harry Kane to score goals.

Now, Southgate has a number of match-winners in the team including youngsters Mason Mount, Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Jadon Sancho, and Bukayo Saka. All of whom are 22-years-old or younger.

Mount is the oldest of the five at 22-years old. Yet, he is coming off of the most successful season of the group having won the Champions League. In fact, four of the five youngsters listed won trophies with their club teams in 2020-21.

While Mount and Chelsea won the Champions League, Foden won the Premier League and Carabao Cup with Manchester City. Bellingham and Sancho lifted the DFB Cup with Borussia Dortmund.

One of the big young names missing from the team is right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Liverpool defender made the squad and was expected to be a key goal creator from the full-back position.

A thigh injury suffered in England’s friendly versus Austria in the buildup to the Euro 2020 tournament will now keep him out. Luckily, Southgate has a wealth of full-backs to select from.

Unfortunately, no other wide player can pick passes and cross the ball like Alexander-Arnold.

England’s national team rarely seemed to change a decade ago as the names of Gerrard, Lampard, Rooney, and Terry continually littered tournament team sheets. Now, England are one of the most dynamic sides in world football.

Ranked No. 4 in the world going into the summer tournament, England have the opportunity to win the Euro 2020 trophy. England are second-favourites according to leading sportsbooks to win the tournament at odds of 5/1.

No longer reliant on Kane, England could finally win the European Championship.

Dedication to young, energetic players could allow the Three Lions to finally claim silverware in international football. In 2016, the reach the round of 16. Expect them to go further this time around.