Surprise players that could fight for an England Euro 2021 spot

We were due another pulsating tournament this summer, but like most things, in this surreal circumstance, its been ruined. Summer tournament football cancelled ensures extreme boredom and derelict beer gardens, but lets look at the bright side, at least England may have a half decent striker to lead the line in 2021. Captain Harry Kane was due to miss the tournament this year through injury and live wire Marcus Rashford was a doubt to return, and even if he did, he may not have been at his dazzling best. With UEFA postponing the competition until the Summer of 2021, i look at a group of players that may not have got the nod this year, but could certainly impress Gareth Southgate and put their stamp on things to push for a place next year.

Harvey Barnes - Leicester City

22 year old Barnes was only fully introduced to the Premier League this season and wow, how he has impressed. Currently playing on the right or left wing for a mesmeric third placed Leicester City the ex-West Brom loanee has torn defences up with his direct pacey runs. He possesses wonderful speed and acceleration, also intelligently knowing how to take advantage of it, giving it the knock past defenders and using his lightning pace to get in behind. The son of former professional English striker Paul Barnes, has also shown his crossing abilities and awareness to bring other players into play, providing 6 assists for his team mates this season.

He has been lightly criticised by fans for his finishing abilities, he has found the net 7 times this season but could have a whole lot more if the young fox was a bit more clinical in front of goal, he still has much room to grow though and he will continue to do so next season, watch out Southgate.

Ollie Watkins - Brentford

Here is a real talent, 24 year old Watkins has been ripping up proceedings in the Championship this season with promotion chasing Brentford. The impressive 5"9 forward harnesses a great positional ability to score from close range as his awareness of the game is pristine, though he is no stranger to a rocket from outside the box. The Exeter City academy graduate is also very nimble on his feet, beating opponents with ease and winning countless penalties for his team. His composure on the ball is also impressive, rarely panicking in front of goal finding the net 22 times this season, the second most in the division.

He is also a very powerful runner, with immense strength and pace to his game making it difficult to brush him off the ball. Its relevant to mention that he is playing in a weaker league than most, but the talent is certainly there. With the help of Watkins, Brentford currently sit in a valuable playoff place in 4th, we could quite easily see him playing Premier League football next season, just in time to impress the England boss and claim a spot at Euro 2021.

Fikayo Tomori - Chelsea

22 year old Fikayo Tomori, another impressive talent birthed from the Chelsea youth system. Whilst working with Frank Lampard and impressing on-loan at Derby last season, the towering centre-half now seems very capable working under Lampard at the heart of the Chelsea defence too. Its special when a centre-half that is defensively competent also displays encouraging traits of athleticism. The hard tackling 6"0 Englishman has shown his speed, claiming himself that he is the quickest at the club. He is very flexible, allowing him to get to balls others wouldn't, i think it`s fair to say he is quite an unorthodox defender.

He excels in his heading ability, rarely losing out on a battle in the air. He can sometimes be naive in his runs out from the back in the pursuit to win the ball back and his positional play can be questionable at times, nevertheless he still proves a great talent. One of the most `up for grabs` positions in the national team would be at CB, a great chance to solidify it as his for next year!

Dean Henderson - Sheffield United

This one may be less surprising but ever since Dean Henderson put on a Blades shirt he has been an absolute lifesaver in goal. A lot of Sheffield United`s success this season can go down to the heroics of the Manchester United loanee. The 23 year-old`s cat like reflexes have left opposition players jaw-dropped, whilst his immense focus keeps him a difficult man to get past. Some of his reaction saves from close-range headers and snap shots have been unbelievable, displaying his more than worthy claim for England`s no.1 spot.

Henderson may well have been within his rights to challenge for the goalkeeping spot this year, with Jordan Pickford questionable at times and other lacking quality. The position between the sticks is in the air at the moment, all to play for next year lads!

Honorable mentions:

Bukayo Saka - Arsenal

Tyrone Mings - Aston Villa

Lewis Cook - Bournemouth

Hamza Choudhury - Leicester City

Ivan Toney - Peterborough

Reiss Nelson - Arsenal