With UEFA expanding squad sizes for the Euros to 26 players, the door swings wide open for unexpected additions. One name on many lips is Jadon Sancho. The “starboy” of English football, who earlier this season found himself relegated to the shadows of Manchester United’s reserves, has staged a remarkable resurgence at Borussia Dortmund.
Following a turbulent period marked by a clash with United’s boss Erik ten Hag, Sancho has found his footing once again, returning to the form that made him one of Europe’s most coveted talents. While he has not yet matched the heights of his 2020/21 brilliance, his recent performances hint at a player on the cusp of reclaiming his throne. As Gareth Southgate contemplates his final squad selection for the Euros, the question arises: Could Jadon Sancho offer the spark England needs on the grandest stage of European football?
How has Jadon Sancho performed at Dortmund?
Sancho at Dortmund pre-United was one of the best wingers in the world. His goals and assist numbers were extraordinary. When he signed for United for £73m, the hope was that he’d immediately continue the form that he displayed in Germany. This was not the case. He only showed his talent in small bursts, but for the most part looked slightly off the pace. This wasn’t entirely his fault. He had to deal with changing managers, ear infections and a right-back who wouldn’t overlap when previously he had Achraf Hakimi. Regardless of that, it wasn’t great.
After a feud with United boss Ten Hag, the hope was that Sancho could reinvent himself back at Dortmund. It’s worked, sort of. He’s not yet hit the same heights as before, but he’s certainly performing at a better level than he was for the Red Devils. It took him only a matter of minutes to notch an assist on his first game back for Dortmund and he was soon introduced into the starting lineup.
It was in the Champions League that Sancho really started to shine again. Against Atletico Madrid, he was a livewire and clips of him dropping Antoine Griezmann to the floor with an electric shimmy went viral. Against PSG, he broke the record for the most successful dribbles in a Champions League match by an Englishman (13). He was fantastic. He looked like the Sancho of old. He created chances and had Nuno Mendes on skates. This is the Sancho that everyone loves to see. With a few games left of the season, the football world will be eager to see if the Englishman can sustain it.
How has Jadon Sancho historically fared for England?
Jadon Sancho has made 23 appearances for England, scoring three goals, but his most memorable performance was for the wrong reasons. Coming on as a substitute in the Euro 2020 Final against Italy, his penalty in the shootout was saved by Gianluigi Donnarumma and England lost the tournament. It knocked his confidence and he wasn’t able to be the same player that he was before that.
He had only showed glimpses of his talent prior to that in the tournament and he only received one more cap for the England team in October 2021 before Southgate decided to look towards other talents.
Who might get in the squad ahead of him?
The competition amongst England’s attackers is fierce. There are just so many top players who are all in form. Harry Kane, England’s captain and star striker is the obvious first choice. Bukayo Saka and Phil Foden are two more obvious choices after years of consistently excellent form and constantly delivering for England. Cole Palmer is also one that would be hard to omit after the incredible season that he’s had this year. Marcus Rashford and Ollie Watkins will also likely creep ahead of him.
So that leaves possibly one attacking spot. It could still well be Jadon Sancho’s, but it could go elsewhere. Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon will be vying for a spot after an exceptional season. Jarrod Bowen will feel he deserves a spot. Brentford’s Ivan Toney will be keen for a back-up striker role, although he’s been out of sorts lately. Raheem Sterling is the second-highest goalscorer for England under Gareth Southgate, but the final spot may well go elsewhere, possibly to Jack Grealish who used to be a lock in the squad but has been out of it recently due to injuries.
What’s next for Jadon Sancho?
Sancho will be fresh for Tuesday’s return fixture against PSG in the French capital as he was benched on the weekend against Augsburg. After his exceptional first-leg performance, he’ll be set to star once again. Should Dortmund prevail, he’ll experience his first European final which will be in his home city at Wembley. After that, there’s a chance he’ll be called up by Gareth Southgate to the England squad for the first time since 2021.
In the summer, Sancho isn’t expected to stay at United. He might go to Dortmund, but his stellar performances will ensure that there won’t be such a shortage of interest. The problem is that his high wages may prove to be a stumbling block. He may have to take a pay cut in order to get a permanent move elsewhere. Dortmund seems likely for now, however.
Sancho is still only 24 and has so much opportunity to continue to develop as a player. He’s technically gifted and intelligent on the pitch. He’ll have a bright future ahead of him.
By Nicky Helfgott / @NickyH3lfgott on Twitter
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