West Ham United had a very encouraging 2020-21 Premier League campaign where they put up a credible challenge for a top-four finish but just tailed away in the final weeks to end up in the 6th spot under David Moyes. This was the Hammers’ best Premier League finish since the 1998-99 season when they had finished 5th.
But the London side should be pleased with their performance, finishing above the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur, and Everton. Some of their star players of the 2020-21 season have key roles to play for their national teams at Euro 2020.
Let’s have a look at 5 West Ham United players who will feature in Euro 2020:
Declan Rice
West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice has grown in stature over the last two years and is now a key player for his national side, England. Rice plays a key role in the English side, sitting deep in midfield and providing cover to the backline, allowing the forwards to express themselves.
The 22-year-old made his England debut in 2019 after switching allegiances from the Republic of Ireland and has gone on to make 16 appearances for the Three Lions.
Tomas Soucek
Similar to his midfield partner at club level, Tomas Soucek too is a vital player for his country, Czech Republic. Soucek had a fantastic 2020-21 season, playing every game in the league, and in the process becoming their joint top-scorer. The 26-year-old will be expected to contribute with goals and assists from midfield, as well as break up play and provide solid cover to the backline.
Soucek’s energy and strength from midfield will be vital for Czech Republic at Euro 2020, who will face Croatia, Scotland, and England in their Group.
Vladimir Coufal
Another Czech Republic player who had an exceptional season for West Ham is Vladimir Coufal. Coufal was perhaps one of the best right-backs in the league in the 2020-21 season, offering loads of energy, defensive solidity, and assists from his full-back position.
Coufal may not have the freedom to bomb forward at all times as his side may have to sit deep and defend against the likes of England and Croatia, but he will be expected to go ahead in counter-attacking situations.
Lukasz Fabianski
West Ham United No. 1 Lukasz Fabianski will be a part of Poland’s squad for Euro 2020. But, the former Arsenal man will most likely not be the No. 1 for his national side as another former Gunners keeper Wojciech Szczesny is the first-choice goalkeeper for Poland coach Paulo Sousa.
Fabianski played the majority of games at Euro 2016, but that was only because of an injury that Szczesny suffered in the tournament.
Andriy Yarmolenko
Andriy Yarmolenko barely featured for West Ham United in the 2020-21 season as David Moyes preferred other players in the wide roles, like Jarrod Bowen and Pablo Fornals. Yarmolenko is in Ukraine’s squad for Euro 2020. Yarmolenko, one of the most experienced players in Ukraine’s Euro 2020 squad, should most likely start on the right wing if coach Andriy Shevchenko plays a 4-3-3 system.
But, if he moves to a 3/5-man defence, as he has done recently, the West Ham United winger could be used as an impact substitute. Ukraine have to navigate past the Netherlands, North Macedonia, and Austria to progress to the next round of Euro 2020.
