It’s 2021, which means the countdown to the rescheduled European Championships is officially on. Despite the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, this year’s tournament is still set to take place in 12 different locations around Europe, including Dublin, Glasgow, Amsterdam and Rome, whilst the semi-finals and final will be hosted at London’s Wembley Stadium.
As things currently stand, England are heading into the major competition as the second favourites, behind only Belgium, who are ranked as the World No. 1 side by FIFA. Ahead of the tournament, given the vast amount of talent on offer, Gareth Southgate will undoubtedly be facing a selection headache, and you never know, there could a surprise omission or two from the initial 23-man squad.
So, ahead of the tournament, we have scoured the online betting market in search of some good outside bets on who could make the squad. Read on to find out more.
James Ward-Prowse – 3/1
At 3/1, Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse has a whole host of midfielders ahead of him in the betting. However, given his performances for the Saints this season, which has helped them reach new heights in the Premier League table, Southgate could look to include the 26-year-old, who has just four England caps to date, in his squad. With four goals and three assists in the league thus far, Ward-Prowse is already on course for one of his most influential seasons yet.
Dele Alli – 15/2
Given his current circumstances at Tottenham Hotspur, it is no surprise to see Dele Alli as far out as 15/2. The 24-year-old has played just four times under José Mourinho in the league this season, and that probably doesn’t warrant enough for him to add to his 37 England caps. However, should Dele get a move this month, and rediscover his flair away from North London, then Southgate could come calling.
Tammy Abraham – 11/2
Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham is another good outside bet to make the England squad. The 23-year-old has been included in Southgate’s last few teams, which is always a good sign when a major tournament is just around the corner. However, lack of substantial game time for the Blues, along with the likes of Harry Kane, Danny Ings, Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Marcus Rashford hitting form for their clubs, could be a major factor in Abraham being left at home by the Three Lions’ boss.
Bukayo Saka – 9/4
It certainly hasn’t been a season full of positives for Arsenal, but if there’s one thing that Mikel Arteta and the Gunners faithful can take away from the first half of the campaign, it’s Bukayo Saka’s solid performances. The 19-year-old has been one of the North London side’s most consistent players, and his form has earned him call-ups to Southgate’s last two squads, which resulted in starts against Wales, Belgium, Iceland and Ireland. Those caps could indicate Southgate’s intention to include him at the Euros.
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Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips, who Southgate is a big admirer of, and Wolves centre back Conor Coady are also good bets at a shorter 6/4 each, whilst the obvious choices like Jordan Henderson (1/12), Kane (1/33) and Raheem Sterling (1/20) are all heavily odds-on.
