Trent Alexander-Arnold to be axed from England Euro 2020 squad but wildcards could figure - reports

Trent Alexander-Arnold looks set to be axed from England’s Euro 2020 bid as Gareth Southgate names his final squad today.

Southgate named a provisional 33-man squad last week, which included four right-backs – Kyle Walker, Kieran Tripper, Reece James and Alexander-Arnold.

Magnificent James audition only adds to Southgate’s dilemma

The selection must be cut down to 26 today, and reports suggest that the Liverpool star will be the odd man out.

It is no easy choice for Southgate. Manchester City defender Walker can operate as a centre-half, while Tripper has just won La Liga with Atletico Madrid, and James produced a sensational performance in the Champions League final for Chelsea.

Both Walker and James seem to have come through the final unscathed, and while Alexander-Arnold has returned to form in the last couple of months, and offers another dimension with his attacking ability, ESPN are reporting that he will be cut by the England head coach.

Southgate must deliver bad news to seven players in total. Sheffield United goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale is vying with Sam Johnstone for the final goalkeeper slot, but the West Brom man is favourite.

In defence, Southgate must decide whether to plump for a uncapped wildcard in either Brighton’s Ben White or Everton centre-half Ben Godfrey, or stick with the more experienced quartet of John Stones, Tyrone Mings, Conor Coady and Harry Maguire, assuming the latter has recovered from his ankle injury.

The midfield positions look nailed on should Leeds’ Kalvin Phillips and Liverpool’s Jordan Henderson be fit. Southgate is expected to take 17-year-old Jude Bellingham, meaning one of James Ward-Prowse or Jesse Lingard will be axed, probably the latter.

England’s unfortunate seven set to be chopped

In attack – where Southgate again has a plethora of options – Mason Greenwood's withdrawal through injury makes his selection choice slightly easier with Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins and Jadon Sancho probably vying for two spots.

Unless, of course, Southgate springs a Paul Gascoigne-Glenn Hoddle size surprise and axes one of his big-name but out-of-form stars like Raheem Sterling or Marcus Rashford. The England boss is likely to stick with that duo, however, as a show of loyalty.

Who would you choose in your England squad? Would you leave out Alexander-Arnold? Let us know in the comments section