Gareth Southgate has announced a provisional squad of 33 players for Euro 2020 — with Trent Alexander-Arnold picked alongside uncapped defensive duo Ben White and Ben Godfrey.

The Liverpool full-back, 22, was sensationally dropped from the Three Lions squad in March but has been given a chance to stake his claim once again in Southgate's extended group.

White, 23, has impressed in a three-man defence for Brighton this term, making 36 appearances for the Seagulls in their Premier League campaign. 

Meanwhile, Everton star Godfrey, also 23, has enjoyed an excellent first campaign at Goodison Park after making the move from relegated Norwich last summer.

It had previously been expected that the Three Lions boss would name his final 26-man squad for the delayed tournament today, but the wait to see who makes the final cut will go on a little longer yet. 

Trent is back

One of the biggest talking points ahead of the announcement had been whether or not Alexander-Arnold would earn a recall after his surprise omission from the most recent set of World Cup qualifiers. 

The Reds star is indeed back in contention, along with fellow right-sided defenders Reece James, Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker. 

It seems unlikely that all four will make next week’s final cut, so another twist in the tale could yet await — but Southgate was keen to play up the quartet's quality at his post-announcement press conference.

He said: "People feel I have an obsession with right-backs, but I just see four good footballers.

"Trippier can play right-back or left-back. Trent can play right-back, wing-back and I think he can play in midfield. In the last few days I've seen Reece James play right of a three, at wing-back and in the middle of midfield.

"We're going to a tournament where those sort of flexible players who can fill different roles but are good footballers are going to be hugely important to us."

Fresh faces in defence

The inclusion of Godfrey and White may have caught many off guard but marks a continuation of Southgate’s willingness to give youngsters an opportunity to impress. 

Sure enough, the Three Lions boss admitted that the duo are just two of several young talents that have been on his radar. 

“I think they are both exciting young defenders,” Southgate said. “There are others we’ve also been looking at — Ezri Konsa has had a good season at Aston Villa, Fikayo Tomori has had a good season in Milan. 

“These two are very flexible. They can play in different roles on the left, right and even in midfield in Ben White’s case. 

“This is a great opportunity for us to get to know them a bit better, for them to work with the team and I think it works for everybody. 

“There’s no way of knowing how long they’ll both be with us at this stage but it should be a fantastic experience for them.”

Johnstone pips Pope

West Brom stopper Sam Johnstone has been given the nod as England’s third-choice goalkeeper after Nick Pope’s tournament dreams were cruelly dashed by a recent knee injury. 

Johnstone, 28, was one of the shining lights in a tough campaign for the relegated Baggies and has seen that strong form duly rewarded by Southgate with a spot in the squad. 

His joy comes as a result of Pope’s misfortune, with the Burnley stopper being forced to undergo minor surgery on his knee this week to address a long-standing issue. 

Pope, 29, had established himself as understudy to current number one Jordan Pickford but Manchester United’s Dean Henderson will now take that mantle instead. 

There is also a call-up for Sheffield United keeper Aaron Ramsdale, although the 23-year-old is unlikely to make it into the final group next week.

What next?

The 33 players that have made the provisional squad now have exactly one week before finding out their tournament fate, with UEFA requesting that the final 26-man squads are submitted no later than June 1. 

That means seven stars are still to be trimmed from today’s crop, with the upcoming training camp in Middlesbrough giving an all-important chance to those on the fringes of catching Southgate’s eye. 

With 12 players also involved in this week’s two European finals, injuries and fitness levels are likely to play their part in final decisions too. 

Of course, we’ll have all the coverage and reaction from next week’s final squad announcement right here on LiveScore next Tuesday.

Provisional 33-man England Euro 2020 squad

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Manchester United), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Sheffield United)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Ben Godfrey (Everton), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester Unitd), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester Ciy), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Kyle Walker (Manchester City), Ben White (Brighton)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jesse Lingard (Manchester United), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)

Forwards: Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Mason Greenwood (Manchester United), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)