England manager Gareth Southgate has unveiled his provisional squad for Euro 2024, with notable exclusions including forward Marcus Rashford (26) and midfielder Jordan Henderson (33). The squad features several uncapped players, such as Liverpool duo Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze.
Southgate will narrow down the squad to 26 players by the June 7th deadline, facing tough decisions amid a pool of talent. The omission of Rashford and Henderson raised eyebrows, with Southgate citing the form of other players in their positions as the reason for their exclusion.
Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling missed out, but his teammate Cole Palmer earned a spot after a stellar season. Despite a lengthy injury absence, Manchester United’s Luke Shaw made the provisional squad.
England, considered favorites for the tournament after their Euro 2020 final appearance, boast a talented squad, including Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Bukayo Saka. Southgate emphasized flexibility in player positions, aiming to maximize their attacking threat.
Concerns persist over the defensive line, prompting Southgate to include new candidates like Branthwaite, Quansah, and Marc Guehi. The inclusion of Wharton reflects his impressive season with Crystal Palace.
While Shaw’s fitness remains uncertain, Southgate is giving him a chance due to his past performances. The squad’s midfield and forward lines feature a mix of experience and emerging talent, with Jack Grealish still in contention despite below-par performances for Manchester City.
England will play friendlies against Bosnia & Herzegovina and Iceland before the Euros, where they are drawn in a group with Serbia, Denmark, and Slovenia. The final squad will be confirmed before the tournament kicks off, with Southgate aiming to lead England to success in Germany.
England squad:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, James Trafford
Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Harry Maguire, Jarell Quansah, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher, Curtis Jones, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice, Adam Wharton
Forwards: Jude Bellingham, Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, James Maddison, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins
