As Euro 2024 approaches, England manager Gareth Southgate faces the difficult task of finalizing his squad. With only 48 hours left before the UEFA deadline, several key players are set to miss out on the tournament. Tottenham’s James Maddison has already left the England training camp, and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah are expected to follow suit.
Critical Exclusions and Final Decisions
James Maddison
The talented Tottenham midfielder James Maddison will not be participating in Euro 2024. Maddison left the England camp early, a significant blow given his potential to impact the squad. Despite a strong showing at St. James’ Park recently, his inconsistent form over the past few weeks has likely influenced Southgate’s decision.
Liverpool Duo: Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah
Liverpool’s young talents, Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah, are also poised to miss out on the final squad announcement. Both players have yet to make their senior international debuts, and their exclusion seems almost inevitable as Southgate trims down his options.
Further Potential Exclusions
John Cross of the Mirror suggests that Southgate may drop one goalkeeper and several defenders, considering the fitness concerns surrounding Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw. The midfield is also under scrutiny, with Curtis Jones facing stiff competition. England is unlikely to field three central strikers, putting Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney at risk.
Player Assessments
Goalkeepers
Jordan Henderson, a veteran presence, might face exclusion to accommodate younger talents. Despite being a promising future star, James Trafford might not be the best choice for the third goalkeeper spot.
Defenders
With the defensive lineup packed, players like Jarrad Branthwaite and Jarell Quansah might be left out due to inexperience. Luke Shaw’s injury concerns also put his selection in jeopardy.
Midfielders
Initially, Curtis Jones was a surprising inclusion, but he might need to do more to secure his place. James Maddison’s recent inconsistency has also cost him a spot despite his undeniable talent.
Forwards
Ollie Watkins’ consistent form for Aston Villa might give him an edge over Ivan Toney, who has struggled with form issues.
Expert Opinions
John Cross
Cross believes Southgate will cut one goalkeeper and reduce the defensive lineup, considering Maguire and Shaw’s fitness. He also sees Curtis Jones struggling to secure a midfield spot and predicts that England will not include three central strikers, putting either Watkins or Toney at risk.
Chris McKenna
McKenna points out Maddison’s unstable form as a reason for his exclusion and suggests that Toney’s recent performances have not been enough to keep him in the squad. He also questions the inclusion of inexperienced defenders like Branthwaite and Quansah over seasoned players like Lewis Dunk.
Andy Dunn
Dunn criticizes the decision to allow coaches to pick a 26-man squad, arguing it reduces the necessity for significant cuts. He suggests Branthwaite and Quansah will likely miss out, with Trafford surprisingly being chosen over Henderson as the third goalkeeper. Dunn also highlights the potential exclusion of Maddison and Toney in favor of more consistent performers.
Simon Bird
Bird emphasizes the amicable nature of the current England squad, contrasting it with past controversies. He predicts the exclusion of Toney, Maddison, and Adam Wharton, noting that Wharton has shown promise but may still need to be ready for the main squad. He also sees Henderson, Branthwaite, Quansah, and Jones missing out due to their lack of top-level experience.
Conclusion
Gareth Southgate faces some tough decisions as he finalizes his squad for Euro 2024. The exclusion of notable players like James Maddison and Curtis Jones highlights the competitive nature of the selection process. With just days remaining, Southgate’s choices will shape England’s campaign in Germany, aiming to blend experience with youthful energy in pursuit of glory.
As fans eagerly await the final squad announcement, the focus will be on how these decisions impact England’s performance in one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year.
