Trent Alexander-Arnold MAKES England’s Euros squad

Trent Alexander-Arnold has made the squad for the European Championships – but Gareth Southgate admitted Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson are a doubt to be ready in time for England’s first game.

England manager Southgate sleeted four recognised right-backs in his 26-man part for the European Championships.

And the inclusion of Alexander-Arnold was the biggest call made by Southgate.  

Liverpool star Trent Alexander-Arnold has been included in England’s squad for Euro 2020

England released Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad for the tournament on Tuesday

The Liverpool defender’s place was in danger after he was axed from Southgate’s previous squad for the April internationals.

But the full-back has ended the season strongly and has worked his way back into the England manager’s squad for the tournament, Alexander-Arnold benefitting from UEFA’s decision to increase squad allowance from 23 to 26.

Alexander-Arnold was one of four right-backs to be included, with Champions League winner Reece James, LaLiga champion Kieran Trippier and Manchester City’s Kyle Walker all included.  

Elsewhere, as Sportsmail revealed this morning Lingard has been left behind – as has Ward-Prowse.

Watkins has also missed out while Ben Godfrey, Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White have also been told they won’t be need for the Euros.

Mason Greenwood pulled out through injury on Tuesday morning.

Alexander-Arnold’s place had looked in danger but Southgate made a big call to include him

There was however a place for Borussia Dortmund starlet Jude Bellingham. The 17-year-old was included as one of five midfield players and could become the youngest player to ever play at a Euros if he features for England. 

Harry Maguire was also named despite missing Manchester United’s Europa League final defeat and yet to fully recover from an ankle injury.  

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is also a fitness concern, having not played since undergoing groin surgery in February, and Southgate admitted they are both doubts to be ready to play in England’s first Euro 2020 game against Croatia.

‘We know exactly where he is at, he has not travelled yet to us because of the quarantine issues coming back from Poland,’ Southgate said.

‘He has got a bit to do. Like Hendo (Jordan Henderson) they have both got a bit to do.

‘We feel the possibility is they can play a part and the fact they are such fantastic characters around the group, especially with the younger ones, given we were able to pick 26 we felt the opportunity to have those two with us is straight forward.’

Manchester United’s Harry Maguire was on the list despite concerns over his fitness

Southgate said experience was key in his decision to pick Jordan Henderson and Maguire

The England boss admitted that both of them have a race to be fit for the Croatia match

Asked about Ward-Prowse, Lingard and Watkins, Southgate said he had offered them the chance to leave the group once he broke the bad news – but praised the trio for deciding to stay.

‘Mason Greenwood unfortunately had to pull out on Friday so we knew he wasn’t a contender for the last few games,’ he added.

‘For me personally, it was very difficult to speak to Jesse, who has given so much to England, has performed so well for England over a long period of time, James Ward-Prowse who has been captain of the Under-21s and then Ollie Watkins, who had a tremendous season with Aston Villa.

‘Those three, I gave them the option of going home if they wanted to but they were all adamant they would want to stay and be a part of the group.

‘They know that they will be involved in these two matches. I think Jesse will probably start tomorrow.

Reece James (left) and Kyle Walker (right) and Kieran Trippier were other right-backs to be called up

Borussia Dortmund’s 17-year-old star Jude Bellingham also won a place in Southgate’s squad

‘Their commitment has been exemplary and their professionalism has been brilliant and meant that yesterday afternoon when I had the conversations with those players, although they were disappointed they knew where they stood and it has meant the atmosphere around the camp has stayed positive and very relaxed.’ 

England face Austria on Wednesday before their final warm-up match against Romania on Sunday. 

Southgate’s side, who are the top seeds in Group D, kick-start their Euro 2020 campaign against Croatia on June 13 before facing Scotland five days later and then the Czech Republic on the 22nd.