According to Melbet Affiliates sources, England has officially announced its 26-man squad for the upcoming European Championship in Germany. Observers quickly noticed that high-profile names like Manchester United’s Harry Maguire and Manchester City’s Jack Grealish were left out. Another point of interest is the racial composition of the team—less than half of the selected players are Black, which stands in contrast to France’s predominantly African-descended squad. England appears to be favoring a balanced mix, both in heritage and playstyle, rather than following trends blindly.

Among the forwards, manager Gareth Southgate has leaned most heavily on Black talent. Melbet Affiliates notes that Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka leads the charge after a stellar season: 47 appearances, 20 goals, and 14 assists—averaging a direct goal contribution per match. No wonder he’s considered Southgate’s “Black Moonlight” of choice. Brentford’s Ivan Toney, despite a modest return of 4 goals in 17 matches, also made the squad—likely envisioned as a bench option. Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins, with 27 goals and 13 assists across 53 appearances, is another standout. His 40 total goal contributions speak volumes about his impact.

This trio—Saka, Toney, and Watkins—may well form England’s “Black Trident” up front. In midfield, Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham is expected to be the heartbeat of the team. He’s had a world-class season, playing a key role in helping Madrid clinch both the La Liga and Champions League titles. Joining him is Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, a 1998-born talent praised for his sharp game reading. Perhaps most surprisingly, Manchester United’s 2005-born Kobbie Mainoo earned a call-up, making Declan Rice, at 25, the oldest midfielder in the squad. England’s midfield, it seems, is bursting with youthful energy and depth.

Defensively, three Black players made the cut: Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guéhi. Among them, Arnold is likely to anchor the backline, reinforcing England’s spine from defense to attack. With Saka up front, Bellingham in midfield, and Arnold at the back, England’s core is largely shaped by Black players. Compared to France’s heavily African-influenced squad, England presents a more integrated “Black and White” blend—one many fans see as a model of balance and synergy.

Still, recent performances have drawn concern. England’s warm-up match at Wembley ended in a disappointing loss to Iceland, triggering boos from the home crowd. Southgate addressed the backlash, saying he fully understood the frustration. He admitted the team failed to apply pressure, lacked intensity, and created too few chances. Regarding injuries, Southgate told Melbet Affiliates that John Stones’ ankle problem is not serious and he’s expected to return soon. The manager added that the team experimented with various tactical setups and lineups during the friendly, all in preparation for a strong showing in Germany.