England have announced their squad numbers for this summers Euros - with a major hint dropped on Trent Alexander-Arnold's role in the process.
The FA announced the squad's numbers on Saturday morning, just hours after the Three Lions slipped to a 1-0 defeat to Iceland at Wembley. Most are exactly what fans would suspect: striker and captain Harry Kane given number 9, while Jude Bellingham has been given the number 10.
However, there were a few surprises in store. Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi is set to wear number 6 - a number usually reserved for a starting centre-back, so he appears the frontrunner to start the opening game.
Elsewhere, Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to don the number 8. Usually 66 with Liverpool, his digit is more synonymous with a midfielder, which could lend a clue to his role in the side for the tournament.
Tournament debutants have also been told their numbers. Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa will wear 14, Eberechi Eze will have 21, while Cole Palmer will wear 24. Finally, young midfielders Adam Wharton and Kobbie Mainoo have been handed 25 and 26 respectively.
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Speaking after his side's final preparation game against Iceland, England boss Southgate said: "It's been a strange preparation, in that we're having to get players off after an hour at a time where you really [ought to be] pushing to turn the result around.
"We've been able to look at people, we've been able to learn about the balance of the team, and of course it's not perfect. But I've been involved in a lot of these last matches going into a tournament as a player as well, and almost inevitably players have one eye on what's coming a little bit, in terms of some of the early challenges.
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"So no excuses on the result, we're better than that, but I think there are a lot of things we can put right quickly."
There is some slight concern for the England boss ahead of travelling to Germany. John Stones was forced off early against Iceland.
Any injury would be a major blow given that regular centre-back partner Harry Maguire has also been ruled out. Giving an update on Stones, Soutggate added: "[Stones] took a bit of a knock to the ankle really early in the game, but at half-time there was no point taking any chance. We're too close to the start of the tournament, there's no point risking it."
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