Euro 2024

GARETH SOUTHGATE revealed England’s stars were “devastated” after he dropped his Euro 2024 bombshells.The Three Lions boss axed injured Harry Maguire, plus attackers Jack Grealish and James Maddison as he reduced his 33-man squad to 26.Gareth Southgate explained his difficult decisionsCredit: GettyJack Grealish and James Maddison were both omitted from the squadCredit: GettyAnd incredibly, only half the 26-man squad from the 2022 World Cup is left.Southgate only broke the news to Manchester City’s £100million star Grealish, 28, after training yesterday.The Three Lions chief said: “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated. I think the world of him as a kid.“It certainly doesn’t get any easier. You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS“We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.“The whole period has been tough, going back to talking to Marcus Rashford and Hendo (Jordan Henderson).“Lots of difficult calls. But we have worked  through all of  that.”England face Iceland in their final pre-Euros friendly at Wembley tonight.Most read in Euro 2024Southgate added: “At the start of the camp there was a little bit of doubt over Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka wasn’t on the pitch. Anthony Gordon wasn’t on the pitch.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS“We had to see where those things developed yesterday and then to today and the final  confirmation.“We just felt other players had stronger seasons, particularly in the last six months.”’You know what he’s done for me’ – Emotional Gareth Southgate reveals why he left Harry Maguire out of England squadWhat Southgate said about axed England stars

WHAT Gareth Southgate said about his axed England stars after confirming his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.
Harry Maguire
“The decision on Harry [Maguire] is totally about his physical condition and his recovery from the injury. There is no other reason as he is one of our strongest centre-backs.
“Harry has made some progress, but it’s been complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stages. There were too many hurdles to get through without being clear where we might get to.
“Knowing we haven’t got a clean bill of health across the rest of the backline, we need players who are fit and ready to go from the start.
“It was a really difficult call, you know how I feel about Harry, what he’s done for England and for me as a manager. ”
Jack Grealish
“I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated.
“I think the world of him as a kid.“It certainly doesn’t get any easier.
“You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.
“We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.”
James Maddison
“Madders [Maddison] and Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they’ve been tough calls.
“They’re calls we’ve gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.
“We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with.
“It’s sad to have to deliver that news to them.”
Jarrad Branthwaite
“It’s a bit early for Jarrad [Branthwaite]. He has had a fabulous season, it was good to get him on the pitch the other night.
“But of course, in an ideal world, you’d like that balance of left-footers. For him to be in ahead of the others, I don’t think it would have been the right call at this stage.”
Jarell Quansah
“Jarell Quansah has stayed with us. He’s not had the experience of an England international at Wembley. It’ll be great for him to be us for the game.
“Hopefully we’re not needing to call anyone else in.”

Also given the boot were keeper James Trafford, defenders Jarell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite and midfielder Curtis Jones.Southgate waited until yesterday to tell Grealish as there were fitness concerns over another player, believed to be Gordon.If he had broken down in training, Grealish would have remained.Maguire, 31 —  suffering with a calf issue —  went out running yesterday morning and thought he would be in the squad.He was stunned when given the bad news.The centre-back, who will miss his first major international tournament since Southgate took charge in November 2016, said: “I am devastated not to have been selected.“Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to overcome an injury to my calf. Maybe I pushed myself too hard to try and make it.“Simply, I am absolutely gutted.“Representing England is the highest honour. It means everything to me.“If I can’t help the team as a player, I will support them as a fan. Go and win it, boys.”This is a bold changing of the guard from Southgate… he’s never been afraid to be ruthless
GARETH SOUTHGATE has made a habit of taking ruthless calls during his eight years as England boss, writes Dave Kidd.
And his decision to axe Jack Grealish, as well as James Maddison, is further evidence of the Three Lions chief being unafraid to take big decisions with big-name players. 
Harry Maguire is also among the seven players left out for the squad to travel to Germany for the Euros, although the decision to omit the Manchester United centre-back is based on his failure to recover from injury. 
Southgate is, more than ever, picking on form.
Attacking midfielders such as Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon have been rewarded with call-ups for their excellent Premier League form, while Marcus Rashford, Maddison and Grealish all get the chop.
While the England boss is often regarded as an over-cautious nice guy, he took big decisions in getting rid of the likes of Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Chris Smalling at the start of his reign. 
Southgate also jettisoned Raheem Sterling last year after the Chelsea man had been a regular starter throughout most of his reign. 
And Jordan Henderson was left out of the 33-man preliminary squad having been a stalwart for Southgate throughout his previous three tournaments.  
Grealish has been a cause celebre for England fans – who have often accused Southgate of holding an agenda against him. 
But he has struggled for game-time with Manchester City all season, just as Maddison has been off-form since returning from injury at Spurs.
This is a bold changing of the guard from Southgate, who has relied heavily on Maguire, Henderson, Sterling and Rashford throughout his time in charge, while Grealish and Maddison are both popular flair players who fully expected to make the 26-man party for Germany.
Burnley keeper James Trafford, the Liverpool duo of Curtis Jones and Jarrell Quansah and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite make up Southgate’s seven-man cull along with Grealish, Maddison and Maguire. 

Spurs star Maddison, 27, said: “Devastated doesn’t quite cut it.“If I’m honest with myself, my form for Spurs when coming back from injury in the second half of the season probably wasn’t at the levels I had set, which gave Gareth a decision to make.“I still thought there would be a space for me in a 26-man squad as  I feel I bring something different and had been a mainstay in this  qualifying campaign. “But the manager has made the decision and I have to respect that. I genuinely hope that football comes home.”England midfielder Declan Rice said: “Jack and Madders are two of my best mates in the squad and I’ve spent most of my time with them this week.“Now they’re going home, so I don’t know what I’m going to be doing for the rest of the few weeks!“They’re gutted they’ve been left out of the squad. We’re so close as a group and no one is feeling really bitter about being left out.“It’s football. It happens. The manager has to make harsh decisions.”READ MORE SUN STORIESSouthgate also picked striker Ivan Toney as he believed he needed more than Ollie Watkins as an option if skipper Harry Kane got injured.Southgate said: “We’re conscious that if you had a problem with Harry, then to only have one alternative, you could run into trouble.” More

ENGLAND stars have been “left shocked” by Jack Grealish’s Euro 2024 omission.Grealish, 28, was one of seven players to be omitted by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate earlier today.Jack Grealish has been cut from Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squadCredit: GettyGareth Southgate explained his decisions earlier todayCredit: GettyThe Manchester City star joined James Maddison, Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, James Trafford, Harry Maguire and Jarrad Branthwaite in being axe from the provisional 33-man squad.According to the Telegraph, Southgate’s decision to drop Grealish has been met with great surprise members of the England camp.They claim that one senior player has even approached the Three Lions boss regarding the decision.On leaving Grealish out, Southgate said earlier today: “All the players took the decisions respectfully and all the players believe they should be in, that’s why they’re all top players with that mindset.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS”We have some players that have performed extremely well this season and other players have had stronger seasons.”In the attacking positions we’re blessed with a lot of options and Madders and Jack give us something different.”They were tough calls, but we back our decisions but recognise we could’ve gone a different route. It was sad to have to deliver that news to them.”Grealish featured for England at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSHe has earned 36 caps, the most recent of which came as a substitute on Monday against Bosnia.Grealish had suffered an injury-disrupted season at Man City in which he failed to hit the heights of his treble-winning form the previous term.Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad as Gareth Southgate’s 26-man shortlist is revealedWhat Southgate said about axed England stars

WHAT Gareth Southgate said about his axed England stars after confirming his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.
Harry Maguire
“The decision on Harry [Maguire] is totally about his physical condition and his recovery from the injury. There is no other reason as he is one of our strongest centre-backs.
“Harry has made some progress, but it’s been complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stages. There were too many hurdles to get through without being clear where we might get to.
“Knowing we haven’t got a clean bill of health across the rest of the backline, we need players who are fit and ready to go from the start.
“It was a really difficult call, you know how I feel about Harry, what he’s done for England and for me as a manager. ”
Jack Grealish
“I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated.
“I think the world of him as a kid.“It certainly doesn’t get any easier.
“You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.
“We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.”
James Maddison
“Madders [Maddison] and Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they’ve been tough calls.
“They’re calls we’ve gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.
“We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with.
“It’s sad to have to deliver that news to them.”
Jarrad Branthwaite
“It’s a bit early for Jarrad [Branthwaite]. He has had a fabulous season, it was good to get him on the pitch the other night.
“But of course, in an ideal world, you’d like that balance of left-footers. For him to be in ahead of the others, I don’t think it would have been the right call at this stage.”
Jarell Quansah
“Jarell Quansah has stayed with us. He’s not had the experience of an England international at Wembley. It’ll be great for him to be us for the game.
“Hopefully we’re not needing to call anyone else in.”

The attacking midfielder made a half-hour cameo from the bench in the St James’ Park friendly, assisting Trent Alexander-Arnold’s goal.Grealish is claimed to have been “stunned and upset” by his axing.He is said to have been visited by team-mates in the aftermath of the news, before one senior dressing room figure spoke to Southgate.It is also claimed that, while there was no heated row or argument, the senior player wanted an explanation that he could tell the rest of the team.Grealish started just ten times in the Premier League last season, making a further ten appearances from the bench.He scored three times and laid on a single assist as City claimed another Premier League crown.His successful cameo against Bosnia made many in the England camp think he would survive the cull.Liverpool ace Quansah will remain with the team as a standby player.Explaining the situation, Southgate said: “Jarell Quansah has stayed with us.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I think he’s not had the experience of an England international at Wembley.”So I think that would be great for him to be with us for the game.”This is a bold changing of the guard from Southgate… he’s never been afraid to be ruthless
GARETH SOUTHGATE has made a habit of taking ruthless calls during his eight years as England boss, writes Dave Kidd.
And his decision to axe Jack Grealish, as well as James Maddison, is further evidence of the Three Lions chief being unafraid to take big decisions with big-name players. 
Harry Maguire is also among the seven players left out for the squad to travel to Germany for the Euros, although the decision to omit the Manchester United centre-back is based on his failure to recover from injury. 
Southgate is, more than ever, picking on form.
Attacking midfielders such as Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon have been rewarded with call-ups for their excellent Premier League form, while Marcus Rashford, Maddison and Grealish all get the chop.
While the England boss is often regarded as an over-cautious nice guy, he took big decisions in getting rid of the likes of Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Chris Smalling at the start of his reign. 
Southgate also jettisoned Raheem Sterling last year after the Chelsea man had been a regular starter throughout most of his reign. 
And Jordan Henderson was left out of the 33-man preliminary squad having been a stalwart for Southgate throughout his previous three tournaments.  
Grealish has been a cause celebre for England fans – who have often accused Southgate of holding an agenda against him. 
But he has struggled for game-time with Manchester City all season, just as Maddison has been off-form since returning from injury at Spurs.
This is a bold changing of the guard from Southgate, who has relied heavily on Maguire, Henderson, Sterling and Rashford throughout his time in charge, while Grealish and Maddison are both popular flair players who fully expected to make the 26-man party for Germany.
Burnley keeper James Trafford, the Liverpool duo of Curtis Jones and Jarrell Quansah and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite make up Southgate’s seven-man cull along with Grealish, Maddison and Maguire.  More

GARETH SOUTHGATE has revealed the reason Harry Maguire did not make his Euro 2024 squad.The Manchester United star, 31, has not played since April having suffered with a calf issue.Harry Maguire has been cut from Gareth Southgate’s England squadCredit: PASouthgate, 53, faced the media to explain his decisionsCredit: GettyMaguire was named in Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad, but was today omitted as the England boss whittled it down to 26.Lifting the lid on why he felt he could not include his former stalwart, Southgate explained: “Trent (Alexander-Arnold) can play both (midfield and defence), we had nine defenders in the last couple of tournaments so I think we’re the same now.”That was part of the reason we couldn’t take Harry Maguire. We would’ve had to take a 10th defender, and that balance wouldn’t have been right, it would’ve left us short in other areas.”Harry has made some progress, but it’s been complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stages. There were too many hurdles to get through without being clear where we might get to.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS”Knowing we haven’t got a clean bill of health across the rest of the backline, we need players who are fit and ready to go from the start.”It was a really difficult call, you know how I feel about Harry, what he’s done for England and for me as a manager. It’s a slightly different case to [Jack] Grealish and [James] Maddison, but it’s no easier.”Southgate, 53, was then at pains to stress that his Maguire snub was purely down to his physical condition.He added: “The decision on Harry is totally about his physical condition and his recovery from the injury. There is no other reason as he is one of our strongest centre-backs.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”In terms of those who can come in, clearly Lewis [Dunk] and Marc [Guehi] played the other night but Ezri Konsa also had an excellent season at Aston Villa.”We’ve been using him as a full-back in some of the recent games but he also played at centre-half in March and was outstanding. Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire left out of England’s Euro 2024 squad as Gareth Southgate’s 26-man shortlist is revealed”It is his strongest position so there are a number of options and we also have Joe Gomez who can play in a number of positions.”Southgate did opt to select Luke Shaw, despite the left-back having not played since February.Explaining his reasoning, he said: “[Shaw] has progressed really well over the past couple of weeks.”At the moment, we feel he could have some involvement in the second group game [against Denmark], but of course you’ve got to keep hitting the markers.”He’s had a good volume of work and is operating at good speeds as well so I think you can take one gamble. That’s a gamble where we’ve got enough evidence that it could pay off.”Positionally, because of what he brings with his experience and the fact that he is a left-footer who can drive forward and give us another attacking option as well, that was a situation we wanted to explore.”In addition to Maguire, Southgate omitted Jack Grealish, James Maddison, Jarell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Trafford.Southgate did go on to reveal, however, that Quansah has remained on standby with the group.He said: “Jarell Quansah has stayed with us. He’s not had the experience of an England international at Wembley.READ MORE SUN STORIES”It’ll be great for him to be us for the game.”Hopefully we’re not needing to call anyone else in.”The Three Lions host Iceland in their final warm-up game tomorrow night.How England will line up after big names axed from Euros More

GARETH SOUTHGATE has confirmed his 26-man squad for Euro 2024 – with no places for the likes of Harry Maguire or Jack Grealish.The ruthless England boss, 53, was tasked with cutting seven members of his provisional 33-man squad.Harry Maguire has lost his fitness race for Euro 2024Credit: ReutersJack Grealish and James Maddison have both also been cutCredit: GettyLast night it emerged that James Maddison had left the camp after learning that he had been omitted by Southgate.It then emerged that Liverpool duo Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah had also missed out – although the latter has remained with the squad on standby.As expected James Trafford was then cut, with Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson selected as Southgate’s goalkeepers.The bombshell then dropped that experienced duo Maguire and Grealish had failed to make the squad.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLManchester United star Maguire, 31, had already been a doubt – having not played since April due to a calf issue.Having hoped to be ready in time, the 63-cap defender lost his fitness race.Grealish, meanwhile, was a more surprise omission.The Manchester City star, 28, was limited to just 10 Premier League starts last term after falling out of favour with boss Pep Guardiola.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut the 36-cap ace had still been expected to make it, having even grabbed an assist during his 27-minute cameo against Bosnia on Monday.The seventh player to be cut by Southgate was defender Jarrad Branthwaite.England can win Euro 2024 with these tacticsHow England will line up after big names axed from Euros

Despite making his Three Lions debut against Bosnia, the Carlisle-born ace missed out – with centre-backs John Stones, Marc Guehi, Joe Gomez, Lewis Dunk and Ezri Konsa preferred.Asked whether the squad announcement is among his most difficult days as manager, Southgate said: “No question.”We’re a close team and every player and staff has felt the last couple of days with this decision looming.”We have tried to [make decisions] respectively, and a understand is will be a devastating blow for them and their team-mates.”But we’ve got that balance for excitement and a bit of remorse along the way.”‘WE BACK OUR DECISIONS’On leaving Maguire and Grealish out in particular, he added: “We’ve got some players who have been playing extremely well all season in the league and we feel other players have had stronger seasons, particularly in the last six months or so.”Attacking areas, in particular, we’re blessed with a lot of options, and some different.”Madders and Jack offer something different… we back our decisions but acknowledge we could have gone in another direction.”What Southgate said about axed England stars
WHAT Gareth Southgate said about his axed England stars after confirming his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024.
Harry Maguire
“The decision on Harry [Maguire] is totally about his physical condition and his recovery from the injury. There is no other reason as he is one of our strongest centre-backs.
“Harry has made some progress, but it’s been complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stages. There were too many hurdles to get through without being clear where we might get to.
“Knowing we haven’t got a clean bill of health across the rest of the backline, we need players who are fit and ready to go from the start.
“It was a really difficult call, you know how I feel about Harry, what he’s done for England and for me as a manager. ”
Jack Grealish and James Maddison
“Madders [Maddison] and Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they’ve been tough calls.
“They’re calls we’ve gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.
“We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with.
“It’s sad to have to deliver that news to them.”
Jarrad Branthwaite
“It’s a bit early for Jarrad [Branthwaite]. He has had a fabulous season, it was good to get him on the pitch the other night.
“But of course, in an ideal world, you’d like that balance of left-footers. For him to be in ahead of the others, I don’t think it would have been the right call at this stage.”
Jarell Quansah
“Jarell Quansah has stayed with us. He’s not had the experience of an England international at Wembley. It’ll be great for him to be us for the game.
“Hopefully we’re not needing to call anyone else in.”

‘YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT HARRY’Lifting the lid on Maguire’s situation, Southgate revealed: “Part of the reason we couldn’t take Maguire is that he would have been the 10th defender, and that would have meant an unbalance elsewhere.”We definitely wouldn’t have had him in the group stages … we need cover and need players fit from the start.”You know how I feel about Harry, what he’s done for England and what he’s done for me as a manager.”Southgate was then quizzed over whether anyone has remained with the squad on standby, at which point he revealed: “Jarell Quansah has stayed with us.”He’s not had the experience of an England international at Wembley. It’ll be great for him to be us for the game. Hopefully we’re not needing to call anyone else in.”The Three Lions boss has opted to select both Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney as deputies to skipper Harry Kane.On his decision to do so, he added: “They all offer something different.”Ivan and Ollie know Harry is the starting guy but have different attributes and can help us in games.”‘A CALCULATED RISK’Having opted to omit Everton star Branthwaite, Southgate claimed: “It’s a bit early for Jarrad. He has had a fabulous season, it was good to get him on the pitch the other night.”But of course, in an ideal world, you’d like that balance of left-footers. For him to be in ahead of the others, I don’t think it would have been the right call at this stage.”At left-back, that’s why we’ve taken what I think is a calculated risk with Luke Shaw, one which I think is worth taking.”Curtis Jones has been cut by Gareth SouthgateCredit: GettyJarell Quansah and Jarrad Branthwaite have both missed outCredit: PAJames Trafford will not go to Euro 2024Credit: PAThis is a bold changing of the guard from Southgate… he’s never been afraid to be ruthless

GARETH SOUTHGATE has made a habit of taking ruthless calls during his eight years as England boss, writes Dave Kidd.
And his decision to axe Jack Grealish, as well as James Maddison, is further evidence of the Three Lions chief being unafraid to take big decisions with big-name players. 
Harry Maguire is also among the seven players left out for the squad to travel to Germany for the Euros, although the decision to omit the Manchester United centre-back is based on his failure to recover from injury. 
Southgate is, more than ever, picking on form.
Attacking midfielders such as Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon have been rewarded with call-ups for their excellent Premier League form, while Marcus Rashford, Maddison and Grealish all get the chop.
While the England boss is often regarded as an over-cautious nice guy, he took big decisions in getting rid of the likes of Wayne Rooney, Joe Hart and Chris Smalling at the start of his reign. 
Southgate also jettisoned Raheem Sterling last year after the Chelsea man had been a regular starter throughout most of his reign. 
And Jordan Henderson was left out of the 33-man preliminary squad having been a stalwart for Southgate throughout his previous three tournaments.  
Grealish has been a cause celebre for England fans – who have often accused Southgate of holding an agenda against him. 
But he has struggled for game-time with Manchester City all season, just as Maddison has been off-form since returning from injury at Spurs.
This is a bold changing of the guard from Southgate, who has relied heavily on Maguire, Henderson, Sterling and Rashford throughout his time in charge, while Grealish and Maddison are both popular flair players who fully expected to make the 26-man party for Germany.
Burnley keeper James Trafford, the Liverpool duo of Curtis Jones and Jarrell Quansah and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite make up Southgate’s seven-man cull along with Grealish, Maddison and Maguire. 

On Shaw, Southgate added: “Shaw has progressed really well in the past couple of weeks and we think he will be able to be involved in the second group game.”I think you can take one gamble, and that’s one gamble which we have enough evidence on that we can take.”Tottenham star Maddison, 27, was the first omitted star to publicly speak out.He wrote on social media: “Devastated doesn’t quite cut it.”Trained well and worked hard all week but if I’m honest with myself, my form for Spurs when coming back from injury in the second half of the season probably wasn’t at the levels I had set which gave Gareth a decision to make.”I still thought there would be a space for me in a 26 man squad as I feel I bring something different & had been a mainstay in this whole qualifying campaign for Euro 2024 in Germany but the manager has made the decision and I have to respect that.”I’ll be back, I have no doubt. Wishing the boys all the luck in the world out in Germany, unbelievable group and lads that I literally call some of my best friends. I genuinely hope football comes home.”Jude Bellingham responded to Maddison’s post with a sad emoji.While Declan Rice added: “We’re going to miss you brother.”‘I AM DEVASTATED’Maguire subsequently admitted that he was “absolutely gutted” to have missed out.He wrote on social media: “I am devastated not to have been selected to play for England at the Euros this summer.”Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to overcome an injury to my calf. Maybe I pushed myself too hard, to try and make it. Simply, I am absolutely gutted.READ MORE SUN STORIES”For me, representing England is the highest honour. It means everything to me. If I can’t help the team as a player, I will support them as a fan – along with the rest of the country. Go and win it boys.”Next, I will return to the supervision of the Manchester United medical team in order to prepare for next season.” More