da bet7k： Many Three Lions stars who might have given up hope of going to Germany are now in with a real shout of making the cut
da dobrowin： The news that squad sizes for this summer's European Championship are set to be expanded from 23 to 26 players will be music to the ears of those on the fringes of the England squad. Rarely has the battle for selection been so fierce and competitive, with manager Gareth Southgate blessed with a plethora of options in every position.
Such is the depth of the talent pool, a whole host of big names are already guaranteed to miss out, but the expansion will provide hope to those who are not currently part of that core of Three Lions stars such as Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Harry Kane, who are already guaranteed their seat on the plane to Germany in June.
But who has been given extra motivation to finish the season as strongly as possible? GOAL looks at the 20 England players who find themselves in with a chance…
Getty ImagesKobbie Mainoo
Mainoo is more in than out as things stand after an outstanding breakout season at Manchester United, with his emergence one of few things Erik ten Hag has gotten right.
The midfielder has only just turned 19, but impressed after being promoted to the senior England squad for the March international break, and the expansion should guarantee him a place.
AdvertisementGettyMarcus Rashford
Even with three extra spots available, Rashford may have his work cut out to convince Southgate of his worth after a mightily underwhelming campaign at Manchester United.
There are others ahead of him in the pecking order as England are blessed with plenty of attacking options, but he should see this as motivation between now and the end of the season. A strong finish may well be a non-negotiable at this stage.
Getty ImagesJack Grealish
A player who could well be in direct competition with Rashford for one of the extra places on the plane. After being overlooked for the last England squad following an injury, Grealish is enjoying a timely return to form at Man City.
Pep Guardiola has trusted him in some key scenarios, including the Champions League quarter-final against Real Madrid, and he has been rewarded. If he continues on his current trajectory, expect him to be on that plane. He has the mentality for the big occasion.
GettyEzri Konsa
Konsa continues to be a key figure in an Aston Villa side pushing for Champions League qualification, and he will fancy himself as the first-choice replacement for John Stones with the tournament on the horizon.
It was telling that he appeared in both of England's friendlies in the March international break, and with the news of the expansion to 26-man squads, he can probably feel quite secure in Southgate's plans.