Southgate continues to develop Euros selection headache

England produced a solid 2-0 win over Albania to back up their efforts from their triumph over San Marino at the start of their World Cup qualifying campaign. Gareth Southgate has an embarrassment of riches from the rest of the campaign and the upcoming European Championships. The England manager made decisive calls in his squad selection for the qualifiers, notably leaving out Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold and favouring Nick Pope for a starting role in place of Dean Henderson, with Jordan Pickford sidelined due to in jury. A number of other key players were also absent with ailments as Jordan Henderson, Jack Grealish, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka and Jadon Sancho were all unavailable. Once those players are all fit ahead of the Euros, Southgate will have the unenviable task of putting together a squad of 23. In addition to this, he'll also need to pick a starting line-up, which will see a great number of talented players left out in the cold. England are the leading contenders for Euro 2020, being backed at 5/1 in the sports betting odds for the tournament. World champions France and the number-one ranked side in the world Belgium will provide fierce competition along with the usual suspects Germany. However, the bookies are confident that England can emerge victorious. Perhaps the main reason is the depth of options that Southgate has at his disposal. With that in mind, we look at the key positions that he faces crucial choices over ahead of the summer.

Keeper

Pickford has been an inconsistent operator for Everton in the Premier League and drew the headlines for negative reasons for his tackle that caused a serious injury to Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk. However, Pickford has performed well in an England shirt and has delivered in key moments such as the penalty shootout against Colombia in the second round in 2018. He repeated his heroics against Switzerland in the Nations League third-place playoff in 2019. Pickford is capable of brilliance, but also clangers. On the other hand, Pope is the model of consistency without the ability for the spectacular. In his first six appearances for England, he kept six clean sheets. England's fortunes could well hang on this decision. Given the number of high-profile errors keepers have made for the Three Lions on the big stage, see David Seaman, Rob Green and Joe Hart, Southgate may opt for the sure hands of Pope.

Defence

England's defence should pick itself for the Euros, especially in the middle of the backline where Harry Maguire and John Stones have built up a solid partnership. Maguire can be up and down against elite opposition, although there are few defenders that are flawless in the modern game. Stones has taken significant steps forwards in his development this term and has become a rock for Manchester City and the Three Lions. There is capable backup in the form of Tyrone Mings and Eric Dier, but Southgate will not want that to be tested in the Euros. The battle at the back is over the full-back or wing-back spots. England's riches have seen Alexander-Arnold jettisoned in favour of Kyle Walker, while Kieran Trippier and Reece James are also pushing for selection. Luke Shaw's revitalisation at United has seen him supplant Ben Chilwell. Whatever combination Southgate chooses is a fine option to take into the Euros.

Midfield and Attack

Southgate has not made himself overly popular with fans, starting with two defensive midfielders. Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips started in front of the back four against Albania. Rice looks to be the sure option alongside Henderson when he returns to the fold. Phillips will be pressing for Rice to have a spot, although the rising Jude Bellingham is also worth mentioning given his performances for Borussia Dortmund. The primary issue for Southgate will be sorting through the four players in the final third should he opt to play with two holding midfielders. Harry Kane is a lock along with Raheem Sterling. Phil Foden, Jesse Lingard, Mason Mount, Grealish, Saka, and Rashford will be vying for up to three spots, and that's without including Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who could play alongside Kane up top.

Mount has found his form at international level, while the pedigree of Foden cannot be understated, especially as he started to come into his own at City. Lingard has the experience and has performed extremely well since his loan move to West Ham. Grealish has unabashed flair in the final third that can unlock any defence. Meanwhile, Rashford has the cutting edge that is so desperately needed in major tournaments. It will not be an easy choice, but Southgate is in a rare position for an England manager to be spoilt for quality options in his team.