England’s 33-man squad revealed as Southgate brutally axes top stars including Rashford and Henderson ahead of Euro 2024

GARETH SOUTHGATE has brutally axed England regulars Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson from his Euro 2024 squad.

The Three Lions boss showed no mercy as he ditched two of his favourite players from the 33-man training group.

Instead, Southgate has announced a bold squad filled with talented youngsters, with FIVE uncapped players making the cut.

Henderson had been one of Southgate’s go-to stars since his appointment in 2016, featuring in 53 of the boss’s 93 games.

While Rashford, who came off the bench in March’s friendly defeat to Brazil, had played 57 times under Southgate.

But despite both men being key cogs in previous squads, their poor form at club level this season has resulted in them being left out.

Just 25 minutes after the initial announcement, Rashford posted a heartfelt message on social media.

It read: “Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best for the up and coming tournament.”

On his ruthless decision, Southgate said: “The 33 isn’t quite a fair definition because we’re taking a longer squad with some young players who we want to have a look at.

“Considering the disappointment, they dealt with it really well.

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“Clearly you’d like to have experienced players and it’s still possible that we can play in a way that we have that. But we feel these are the best players we have at this time.”

On Henderson’s exclusion, Southgate added: “The determining factor is the injury he had around the last camp. He missed five weeks.

“He’s a fantastic professional. It was a really difficult call to make. He’s been so supportive during my time here.

“He’ll be a miss, there’s no doubt about that. He’s a fantastic human being. He’s been in that leadership role for a long time. 

“We have young players with a lot of caps. There’s no reason young players can’t lead. 

“We’ve moved away a little bit from the defined leadership group. Sometimes when you limit that group it means others don’t step forward when they might and defy to a hierarchy.

“I want input from various areas. I have noticed occasions where, even with the captain and vice-captain, there’s a bit of deferential behaviour and we don’t want that.”

Elsewhere, captain Harry Kane makes the cut despite struggling with a back injury.

And there are plenty of places up for grabs, with nods for Kobbie Mainoo, James Maddison and Ivan Toney.

Jarrell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite and Curtis Jones will get a chance to impress too.

And Crystal Palace quartet Dean Henderson, Eberechi Eze, Adam Wharton and Marc Guehi have also been included.

But there is no place for Reece James or Ben Chilwell after their injury issues at Chelsea, with Eric Dier and Raheem Sterling missing out as well.

Southgate will now put his 30 players through their paces before narrowing down his final squad to 26 names on June 7.

On places up for grabs, Southgate continued: “Everybody has a chance. The reason for a longer squad is we were in a similar situation before the last Euros.

“There are some injury issues that are very obvious and apparent and there are some that are more nuanced that we don’t have all the info on. Sometimes we need to see the players before making a decision.

“I think we can make better decisions with time.”

England will hold an open training session at Middlesbrough’s Rockcliffe Park next week.

And the Three Lions will get their first taste of action together in a friendly against Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park on June 3.

Four days later they will take on Iceland at Wembley before kicking off their Euros campaign against Serbia on June 16.

England’s next group game sees them face Denmark before wrapping things up against Slovenia.

Southgate will be hoping to have a nailed-on starting XI for the beginning of the tournament.

But with doubts over Luke Shaw’s fitness, Kieran Trippier is in line to be England’s left-back this summer.

Southgate said on Shaw: “I have to say he’s up against He’s missed a lot of football. I’m not sure what is realistic at this time. I’ve liaised with Man Utd very closely. I’d have to say he’s a long shot.”

Southgate is also keen on playing Trent Alexander-Arnold next to Rice in the upcoming friendlies, which would leave Bellingham as the No10 and Player of the Season Foden out wide.

On the midfielder selection dilemma, Southgate said: “The key with Phil is where he ends up, not in his starting position. With City, he’s often allowed to drift and it’s the same with us.

“Jude has played all season as a 10, but has often defended on the left. I think it’s about where you let the players to drift to that’s the key. We would never pin them to one position. 

“Phil has had a brilliant season. You want him in those central areas, as you do with one or two others. We have to find a way to make that happen.”

Meanwhile, England continue to sweat over Kane’s fitness after he missed Bayern Munich’s final two games with a back problem.

Outgoing boss Thomas Tuchel said: “Harry is receiving treatment from his personal doctor. He cannot travel. He was already at the limit versus Real Madrid. It was a borderline decision for him to play.

“He had a complete blockade in his back, it’s got worse and bothers him in everyday movements. There was no chance for him to participate in the game.”

When asked about other options, Southgate said: “Not just Harry but Raheem as well. He was crucial in the last tournaments. We’ve shared that load as well.

“Bukayo has weighed in with a lot of goals. We need people to come in. To go the distance you need good depth in the squad and the ability to refresh the team as well.”

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk