GARETH SOUTHGATE has left Ben Chilwell AND Jadon Sancho out of England’s squad for their Euro 2020 opener against Croatia for ‘tactical reasons’.
But fans have been left baffled by the decision.
Kieran Trippier and Kyle Walker are the two recognised full-backs in the Three Lions’ starting XI while Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden are playing on the wings.
But Southgate explained it was a tactical decision before kick-off.
He told the BBC: “It’s just unfortunate and we have to balance cover for certain positions.
“I don’t like the fact we’re having to leave players out of the squad in a major tournament, it’s not fair on them.”
With Chilwell and Sancho not even on the bench, rumours circulated on social media with supporters completely stunned by the move.
Olivia Buzaglo wrote: “Chilwell and Sancho left out of the England squad. I’m shocked.”
Patrick Timmons tweeted: “Grealish benched. No Shaw. Chilwell not in the squad. Trippier at left-back. Sancho not even on the bench.”
And another fan chipped in with: “Sancho & Chilwell not on the bench, either they’re not fully fit or Southgate is playing with fire here.”
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England’s line-up was leaked earlier today with fans shocked to see neither Chilwell or Manchester United ace Luke Shaw selected at left-back.
Southgate’s men will have home advantage when they host 2018 World Cup finalists Croatia at Wembley.
And they will do so with a back four in a 4-2-3-1 formation, instead of a three-man defence with wing-backs.
With Jordan Pickford, 27, in goal, Tyrone Mings, 28, partners John Stones, 27, in the absence of Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, 28.
On the right, Walker, 31, pips Reece James, 21, who has only played six times for England before.
West Ham ace Declan Rice and Kalvin Phillips will play at the base of midfield behind Mason Mount in the No 10 role.
Jordan Henderson, 30, is still not fully fit while Jude Bellingham, 17, is also benched.
Foden and Sterling will play on either wing behind Three Lions superstar striker Harry Kane.
It means Grealish, 25, in form heading into the opener, is again overlooked and misses out from the start.
Marcus Rashford is also benched despite captaining the side against Romania last time out.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
