Sancho left out of squad as England name starting lineup

Sancho misses matchday squad

In shock news, Jadon Sancho has been left out of England’s 23 man squad to face Croatia.

With Gareth Southgate only allowed to name 23 players in his matchday squad, three of his 26 man Euros squad must miss out.

Team news is in!

Your #ThreeLions to face Croatia in our opening game at #EURO2020… ? pic.twitter.com/HxYXprXtex

— England (@England) June 13, 2021

It was not expected to be Borussia Dortmund’s star winger Jadon Sancho, however.

Harry Maguire is ruled out through injury, but Sancho is joined by Champions League winner Ben Chilwell as missing out on the matchday squad.

I appreciate the alternatives are more than decent but, if he’s available, not having Jadon Sancho in the squad is baffling. Struggled against Romania but arguably the best English player in his position over last two years. pic.twitter.com/2FbiQuf5vd

— James Benge (@jamesbenge) June 13, 2021

Bizzarely, Southgate has named both of his reserve goalkeepers, Sam Johnstone and Dean Henderson, on the bench ahead of Sancho or Chilwell, which could suggest an injury to the Dortmund winger.

Sancho has excelled in the Bundesliga since his move from Manchester City in 2017, and returned eight goals and 12 assists in his 26 appearances this campaign.

Whilst he was not expected to start the game, it is a huge shock to see the youngster not even make the bench, as his trickery could have been of great value late in the game.

Southgate names odd starting XI

As suggested across social media this morning, Southgate has opted for an odd starting XI.

Kieran Trippier, traditionally a right-back, was chosen at left-back.

Kalvin Phillips partners Declan Rice in midfield with Jordan Henderson not deemed fit enough to start the game.

Perhaps most shockingly, however, was the omission of Jack Grealish, who starred in both of England’s warm up games.

The Aston Villa man will have to make do with a place on the bench, as Phil Foden and Raheem Sterling have been preferred in the wide berths.

How this lineup works in principle, however, remains to be seen.

Read more:

Who is Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho? Euro 2020 player profile

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