After a summer of pride and a Nations League campaign filled with optimism, England now embark on their journey to Euro 2020.
They start their qualification process with a home game against the Czech Republic on Friday followed by a trip to Montenegro three days later. Gareth Southgate’s side are joined also by Bulgaria and Kosovo in Group A.
As expected, Southgate has picked a squad filled with youth as well as exciting talent. The most notable picks include Declan Rice, who will presumably make his debut after switching allegiances from the Republic of Ireland.
Jadon Sancho has continued to impress in the Bundesliga, and has earned his second call up, and Callum Wilson has achieved the same feat after Southgate was there to see the Bournemouth striker’s brace against Huddersfield last week.
There have also been some notable omissions from the squad. Many felt Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka was worthy of a first call up after a stellar season at fullback. He missed out, and Kieran Trippier was picked in his place despite poor form in recent games. Another was James Maddison, who despite having created the most chances in Europe’s top five leagues this season has only managed a place with the U21’s.
1/14 Jordan Pickford
6 – Croatia didn’t test Pickford on many occasions, though the goalkeeper was fortunate that Rebic failed to capitalise on an early error. Fine otherwise.
AP
2/14 Kyle Walker
6 – Combined well with Raheem Sterling down the right, being allowed to get forward often.
Getty Images
3/14 Joe Gomez
7 – Walker’s forward freedom often left Gomez a little isolated, but the Liverpool defender responded brilliantly, coping with Ivan Perisic impressively. An emerging force, and his range of passing is strong.
REUTERS
4/14 John Stones
6 – Not as eye-catching or involved as his centre-back partner, but still managed to play a number of good passes.
REUTERS
5/14 Ben Chilwell
7 – Another accomplished showing. His delivery into the box was hit-and-miss, but his ball for the winner was excellent.
Getty Images
6/14 Eric Dier
6 – A positive performance from Dier, who slipped between Stones and Gomez when in possession and played similarly potent diagonals. One error at 1-0 that could have cost England, but did his job effectively.
AFP/Getty Images
7/14 Fabian Delph
8 – Gave the midfield balance as a left-footed, left-sided player, and combined nicely with Rashford in the second half.
AFP/Getty Images
8/14 Ross Barkley
6 – Growing into his role in this England team. Worked hard, used the ball nicely and kept the team ticking.
Action Images via Reuters
9/14 Marcus Rashford
7 – If Sterling was the player of the first half, Rashford was the player of the second. Though substituted before both goals, he tormented Tin Jedvaj and the rest of Croatia’s right-side, producing several magnificent forward surges.
AFP/Getty Images
10/14 Raheem Sterling
7 – Outstanding in the first half, a constant menace in behind and combining well with Kane. Faded as the game wore on, but still looked a threat with his pace.
EPA
11/14 Harry Kane
8 – A goal and an assist from the captain to mark a strong all-round performance. Worried the Croatian defence throughout, and will be glad to break his goalscoring drought.
EPA
12/14 Dele Alli
6 – Alli was on the longest of the England substitutes but might have been the quietest of the trio to come on. Gave England another body to throw forward.
Getty Images
13/14 Jadon Sancho
6 – A couple more glimpses of his considerable talent in an enterprising 20 minute cameo.
Action Images via Reuters
14/14 Jesse Lingard
7 – Lingard helped spark England’s comeback and popped up at the right time to score the simplest of tap-ins and equalise.
AFP/Getty Images
1/14 Jordan Pickford
6 – Croatia didn’t test Pickford on many occasions, though the goalkeeper was fortunate that Rebic failed to capitalise on an early error. Fine otherwise.
AP
2/14 Kyle Walker
6 – Combined well with Raheem Sterling down the right, being allowed to get forward often.
Getty Images
3/14 Joe Gomez
7 – Walker’s forward freedom often left Gomez a little isolated, but the Liverpool defender responded brilliantly, coping with Ivan Perisic impressively. An emerging force, and his range of passing is strong.
REUTERS
4/14 John Stones
6 – Not as eye-catching or involved as his centre-back partner, but still managed to play a number of good passes.
REUTERS
5/14 Ben Chilwell
7 – Another accomplished showing. His delivery into the box was hit-and-miss, but his ball for the winner was excellent.
Getty Images
6/14 Eric Dier
6 – A positive performance from Dier, who slipped between Stones and Gomez when in possession and played similarly potent diagonals. One error at 1-0 that could have cost England, but did his job effectively.
AFP/Getty Images
7/14 Fabian Delph
8 – Gave the midfield balance as a left-footed, left-sided player, and combined nicely with Rashford in the second half.
AFP/Getty Images
8/14 Ross Barkley
6 – Growing into his role in this England team. Worked hard, used the ball nicely and kept the team ticking.
Action Images via Reuters
9/14 Marcus Rashford
7 – If Sterling was the player of the first half, Rashford was the player of the second. Though substituted before both goals, he tormented Tin Jedvaj and the rest of Croatia’s right-side, producing several magnificent forward surges.
AFP/Getty Images
10/14 Raheem Sterling
7 – Outstanding in the first half, a constant menace in behind and combining well with Kane. Faded as the game wore on, but still looked a threat with his pace.
EPA
11/14 Harry Kane
8 – A goal and an assist from the captain to mark a strong all-round performance. Worried the Croatian defence throughout, and will be glad to break his goalscoring drought.
EPA
12/14 Dele Alli
6 – Alli was on the longest of the England substitutes but might have been the quietest of the trio to come on. Gave England another body to throw forward.
Getty Images
13/14 Jadon Sancho
6 – A couple more glimpses of his considerable talent in an enterprising 20 minute cameo.
Action Images via Reuters
14/14 Jesse Lingard
7 – Lingard helped spark England’s comeback and popped up at the right time to score the simplest of tap-ins and equalise.
AFP/Getty Images
Who has Gareth Southgate picked?
Here is the squad in full
Goalkeepers: Tom Heaton, Jack Butland, Jordan Pickford
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ben Chilwell, Michael Keane, Harry Maguire, Danny Rose, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, James Tarkowski
Midfielders: Ross Barkley, Dele Alli, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Declan Rice, James Ward-Prowse
Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Raheem Sterling, Callum Wilson, Callum Hudson-Odoi
Where can I watch England vs Czech Republic?
The game will be televised on ITV
When does it start?
The game kicks off at 19:45 on Friday 22nd March.
Can I still get tickets?
The game is sold out. But you will still be able to follow the game with The Independent‘s live blog.
Player to watch
Declan Rice will look to prove he is the long term answer to England’s dilemma at holding midfield, a position that has been a problem for a long time now. The West Ham star has been in great form this season, and will be looking to make the most of his big chance.
Form guide
England: WDWWW
Czech Republic: WLWLW
Odds
England: 1/5
Draw: 7/2
Czech Republic: 17/2
