England will enter Euro 2020 as one of the favourites for the tournament, although there does remain some question marks surrounding their squad.
While they are well stacked in forward areas, their midfield and defence remains a concern. That is especially true when you consider the injuries to Harry Maguire and Jordan Henderson.
There have also been some question marks around the decisions of Gareth Southgate. Not only did he select four right backs in the final squad, but he also opted to keep the players who failed to make the 26-man panel in the camp and played some of them in the friendly against Austria this week.
That was a decision that confused Paul Merson, who is worried about England's prospects going into the tournament and believes they won't be as 'lucky' as they were in the 2018 World Cup.
Writing his column for Mirror Sport, he said that not only does he have major doubts about their defence, but also about the conviction of the England manager.
England are playing it too safe, Gareth Southgate isn’t ruthless enough, and our defence scares me to death.
I watched us against Austria and it was a waste of a game. Why is Gareth giving minutes to all these players who aren’t going to the Euros?
I get they’re disappointed and he needs to keep them sweet but I don’t think we’ve got time to be handing out gifts this close to a major tournament.
Just say: “Thanks for coming” and focus on the players who are going to play at the Euros.
It was a bit like when you’re playing Sunday League football and it’s your birthday and they make you captain. This is England. It’s not ruthless enough.
What did we learn? Nothing. And now we’re playing Romania. Who have just lost to Georgia. What’s the point? I watch England and I cant get excited. It’s safe football...
At least Gareth’s not going into the finals now with FOUR right backs. I feel for Trent Alexander-Arnold. But again - it’s not ruthless enough.
You shouldn’t be picking four right backs. Honestly. You just can’t do that. You don’t need four. Just make a decision Gareth.
While Merson is often a figure of ridicule, he does make something interesting points about Gareth Southgate's indecision here.
He certainly seems conflicted about what he wants this England team to be, something that is not ideal less than a week from the beginning of a major tournament.
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