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      Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole name two England stars Gareth Southgate should have picked for Euro 2024 squad

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      WAYNE ROONEY and Joe Cole have named two players they feel should have made the cut for England’s 26-man Euros squad.The two England internationals were on punditry duty for Channel 4 as England fell to a drab 1-0 defeat to Iceland.Former England stars Wayne Rooney and Joe Cole both had suggestions as to who should be in the England squadCredit: GettyGareth Southgate initially named a 33-man squad before whittling it down to the final 26-man cut.The most notable omissions were Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish.Maguire was struggling with a calf injury, while Grealish misses out due to club form.Southgate said the Manchester City winger was “devastated” to find out he had missed the cut.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSIt has also been reported that a senior star approached Southgate to find out why Grealish had been left out, with the squad surprised by his exclusion.Cole said he had also been caught by surprise by Grealish’s exclusion.He said: “Maguire has been a stalwart, he’s had an injury. That’s what Gareth’s had to wrestle with.”Grealish coming out of the squad surprised me. He’s been such a focal point for so many years. Gareth thinks other players in his position are performing better.”Most read in Euro 2024Joe Cole was surprised by Grealish’s exclusionCredit: PAEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSRooney defended Southgate’s decisions but admitted he felt Jarrad Branthwaite had been hard done by to miss out.The Man Utd legend said: “The fans have been crying out for Gareth to make these exciting decisions.England boss Gareth Southgate axes stars from Euro 2024 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.”

      “I would have liked to seen Branthwaite in the squad. He’s had an excellent season at Everton.”Joining Branthwaite, Grealish and Maguire in missing out were James Maddison, Curtis Jones, James Trafford and Jarrell Quansah.Rooney thinks Branthwaite should have been includedCredit: GettyPLAY DREAM TEAM EUROS NOW!The best fantasy football game for this summer’s tournament. More

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      Major Euro 2024 boost for England as they kick hosts Germany out of hotel with high end restaurant & THREE golf courses

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      THE England squad are all set to check inn to their fabulous Euro 2024 base — after Germany’s players got kicked out.The host’s flags have been taken down from the bar, with the Three Lions crest ready to greet our stars on Monday.England have secured a luxury hotel base for Euro 2024 – ahead of hosts GermanyCredit: Darren FletcherSun mascot Harry Mane was given a tour of the facilitiesCredit: Darren FletcherA bed of flowers formed in the flags of England and Germany were planted in the sumptuous gardensSecuring the top quality training base is great news for Harry Kane and coCredit: GettyGermany had eyed up the swish Weimarer Land Golf Hotel and Spa in central Germany as their tournament HQ and even set up a training camp there last month.But they were forced to leave to please their kit sponsors Adidas — and the FA seized the best base of any team. The staff were yesterday preparing to give Gareth Southgate’s boys a warm welcome in Blankenhain, with the hotel’s boss tipping them to win the tournament.Owner Matthias Grafe told The Sun: “The German team wanted to be based at my hotel but they have been obliged to work with their sponsors so we’re delighted to welcome England instead.READ MORE EURO 2024“I have always said I’m only interested in having one team here — the team that wins the Euros — and I believe that team will be England.”The FA snapped up the 350-acre resort — including a Wembley-quality training pitch and three golf courses — in a £800,000 deal in November.Hotel workers and FA officials were busily completing its new England look yesterday, as The Sun’s footie mascot Harry Mane was given a tour of the roarsome facilities.Players will stay in timber-clad rooms boasting pine forest views, and can enjoy a spa, play golf and swim indoors and out.Most read in FootballPictures of German stars such as Thomas Muller have all been replaced with those of English heroes including Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.German signs were removed from the media centre and training pitch, with an “England” banner now up.Jack Wilshere, Gordon Strachan and Jurgen Klinsmann answer quickfire questions ahead of Euro 2024The red, black and gold German flag colours and “Deutschland” motifs which had been emblazoned throughout the hotel bar have also been taken down.A bed of flowers formed in the flags of England and Germany were planted in the sumptuous gardens.Meanwhile, Germany have switched to a HQ in Herzogenaurach in southern Germany — the Bavarian home town of kit maker Adidas.England play their first game against Serbia next Sunday.The 350-acre resort includes a Wembley-quality training pitchCredit: German flags at the hotel have been removed ahead of England’s arrivalCredit: Darren FletcherThomas Muller and the German squad have had to find a new training baseCredit: Reuters More

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      England 0 Iceland 1: Lightning strikes twice as Three Lions head to Euro 2024 haunted by ghost of Euros past

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      JUST as England were dreaming about emulating 1966 and all that, here was a horrific reprise of 2016 instead. Gareth Southgate’s men, favourites to win the Euros with all good bookmakers, suffered the worst possible send-off to Germany as they were humiliated by their bogeymen from a volcanic island in the North Atlantic. Jon Dagur Thornsteinsson opened the scoring for IcelandCredit: GettyHis goal silenced the Wembley crowdCredit: ReutersRamsdale should have done betterCredit: AlamyHere was a result and a performance which exposed Southgate’s youthful squad selection as a high-risk folly.Forget all the ‘football’s coming home’ and ‘this time we’ll get it right’ malarkey, this was an absolute shocker at Wembley, which poured ridicule on ideas that England are ready to win their first major trophy in 58 years.England were not just beaten by Iceland – just as they had been in the match which toasted Roy Hodgson at Euro 2016 – they were lucky to avoid a hiding.The Iceland side of eight years ago were actually half-decent. The current lot are ranked 71st in the world and have not qualified for the Euros, yet they threatened to tear England to ribbons in the second half.READ MORE ON ENGLANDJon Dagur Thorsteinsson’s early strike, courtesy of blunders from Kyle Walker and Aaron Ramsdale, earned Iceland their win.But it was the way in which Iceland continually threatened the England goal in the second half which was most worrying of all.Southgate chose eight of the eleven who are likely to face Serbia in the Euros opener in Gelsenkirchen next Sunday – and they were woeful.The defence is naive and unbalanced, the midfield lacked spark and the forwards were completely devoid of composure.Most read in Euro 2024Kane should have scored from close rangeCredit: GettyBut England generally struggled to createCredit: AFPEURO 2024 FREE BETS AND OFFERSIt can only be hoped that Jude Bellingham – rested after his Champions League triumph here last weekend – can spark England into life because this display made a mockery of their status as contenders for this crown.Harry Kane, who missed a glorious first-half chance here, has not played with Bellingham since October and England’s two main men need to rediscover their understanding for the clash with the dangerous Serbs.England line up for Euro 2024 announced in Three Lions squad video Phil Foden was given the chance to play centrally but faded badly after a bright start.Southgate can wear all the cream knitwear he likes in a bid to look cuddly, but he has been utterly ruthless in his treatment of established players in the build-up to this tournament.Jordan Henderson, Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire have all been ditched, following on from Raheem Sterling being jettisoned after the World Cup.It is almost as if, for what is almost certain to be his last stand as England manager, Southgate is determined to torpedo the most common criticisms against him – too much loyalty, too much caution.The handbrakes-and-shackles brigade have found a different line of attack.Suddenly, it’s reckless Southgate, a man who has thrown caution to the wind and ending up having his house blown down.There was a horrible early scare when John Stones fell awkwardly under a challenge from Thorsteinsson and appeared to injure his ankle.With Maguire already out, Stones has now taken on ravens in the Tower status. If he goes, Southgate’s kingdom collapses.Southgate will be left with more questions than answers after this gameCredit: RexBut after a minute’s panic, Stones was back on his feet.England were playing some lovely stuff, especially Foden who was revelling in centre stages, and yet suddenly after only 12 minutes, Iceland were ahead.Played onside by Marc Guehi, Thorsteinsson cut inside Kyle Walker and drilled a shot which beat Aaron Ramsdale at his near post.It was poor from the Manchester City captain but even worse from Arsenal’s reserve keeper. For the indispensability of Stones, read the indispensability of Jordan Pickford.Still, Southgate’s men continued to do most of the attacking, although a wayward shot and then a poor cross from Anthony Gordon stopped them in their tracks and left some pining for super Jackie Grealish.Declan Rice closed down keeper Hakon Rafn Valdimarsson, forcing him to pass straight to Cole Palmer, whose shot was blocked.Next, Palmer delivered a sweet centre from the right but Kane shinned over a volley from six yards.It was time for the Viking Thunderclap to ring out from the away supporters’ section, causing anyone who was in Nice eight years ago to break out in a cold sweat.And before half-time, it was almost 2-0 when Palmer lost possession on the edge of his own box and Amor Ingvi Traustason was brilliantly blocked by Guehi.England fans made paper planes to deal with their boredomCredit: GettyJohn Stones was forced off with injuryCredit: EPAStones was cotton-woolled at half-time, replaced by Ezri Konsa and England twice went close to an equaliser.First Foden dragged a shot wide from a Gordon cut-back then Palmer fired into the side-netting.But soon Iceland were breaking in a two-on-one, Hakon Arnar Haraldsson squaring for Thorsteinsson, who fell on his backside when he ought to have scored.Southgate made a quadruple substitution bringing Ivan Toney and Bukayo Saka on for Kane and Gordon in attack – but again, Iceland almost doubled their lead – Svenir Ingason given a free header from a corner but Ramsdale smothering his effort.Suddenly Iceland were in complete control, continually getting behind England’s naive defence and a scrambling Ramsdale was forced to push a long-ranger over his bar.READ MORE SUN STORIESEngland scrambled around aimlessly in scenes spookily reminiscent of their Euro 2016 exit.It’s time for the tub-thumping optimism to stop. England are going to have to work their socks off to get out of the group stage.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
      “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.” More

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      Scotland 2 Finland 2 – Clarke fails to break friendly duck as low-key farewell jamboree leaves him with huge decisions

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      IT WAS as low-key a farewell jamboree as Scotland could’ve had.And Steve Clarke saw his hopes of breaking his friendly duck as Scotland manager dashed as Finland came from two down to snatch a Hampden draw.Scotland raced into a two-goal lead in the second halfCredit: GettyLawrence Shankland netted the secondCredit: ReutersBut they were stunned by the visitors late onCredit: PAIt was Clarke’s 55th game as international boss – and as his side overcome a stuttering first-half to sweep into a two-goal lead, it looked like he was going to finally record a home friendly victory.Scotland last won a challenge match on Scottish soil eight years, nine games and three managers ago. March 29 2016, to be precise – a stuffy 1-0 win over Denmark under Gordon Strachan, thanks to a Matt Ritchie winner on what was John McGinn’s Scotland debut. Since then Malky Mackay, Alex McLeish and Clarke have all tried to secure wins in challenge games watched by packed houses and half-full stadia alike. Even the normally unflappable Clarke said last month that Scotland were s***e at friendlies. And the opening 45 minutes last night continued that trend. Scotland passed the ball to no threatening effect whatsoever. Finland, with little possession, had the better chances. But after the interval they got a break when central defender Arttu Hoskonen turned Andy Robertson’s cross into his own net to break the deadlock. Most read in FootballLawrence Shankland’s 33rd goal of a prolific season doubled the lead.But Ben Kallman – who’d a brief spell at Dundee six seasons ago – pulled one back for the visitors and sub keeper Craig Gordon conceded a penalty which saw Oliver Antman level. Stuart McCall’s hilarious story swapping shirts with Gazza & THAT game at WembleyQuestions, obviously, remain for the manager as the clock ticks down to Germany in Munich on Friday. Does Ryan Porteous come back into the defence? Will it be Shankland or Che Adams up front?And what’s to be done about the problematic right wing-back position?  On that score, neither Ross McCrorie in Gibraltar nor Tony Ralston last night did much to make themselves undroppable. It wouldn’t surprise me if Clarke had a curveball up his sleeve for that opener in six days’ time – maybe someone out of position to occupy that slot?Those are the things Clarke has to ponder at home before they arrive in Germany tomorrow night.He’ll not have learned much during this low-key encounter. In the early moments, Casper Terho saw his early shot blocked, with ex-Celt Teemu Pukki – Finland’s all-time top scorer, winning his 122nd cap – had his header saved as the visitors sought an early breakthrough.Ryan Christie wriggled past Matti Peltola on the right but his low cross was clattered clear by the Finnish defence. McGinn chipped over the top but Finland continued to probe, and when backtracking Hanley lost the flight of a forward pass, Hampden held its breath as Pukki lofted the opportunity over.Shankland, firing over from the edge of the box, was next to try his luck. But the only time the home support perked into life came when Arttu Hoskonen’s backpass had keeper Jesse Joronen stretching.It was 32 minutes before Scotland forced their first corner. Finland, with little possession, were nevertheless getting forward briskly when they did have the ball. Terho cut inside and fired in another low drive, which Gunn gathered comfortably. Steve Clarke’s side had failed to register an effort on target in the opening half-hour and although Christie finally changed that when he escaped the clutches of Leo Vaisanen, his left-foot drive was easily saved. John McGinn had contributed little but he found room on the left and picked out the advancing Billy Gilmour – but groans rang round Hampden as the Brighton man tried a first-time pass into a crowded Finland box rather than testing their keeper. It was easily snuffed out.Scotland needed something to spark a subdued crowd into life and inside two minutes of the re-start they got it. Gilmour latched on to possession on the edge of the box and drove for goal – but Finland’s sub keeper Viljami Sinisalo pushed his left-foot shot wide of the target. However it was at least an attacking foray – and six minutes later Scotland got a slice of luck to break the deadlock. Skipper Andy Robertson’s low cross didn’t look like it was going to bring any more dividends than any of the previous balls he’d sent into the Finnish box. But Cracovia defender Arttu Hoskonen stuck out his right foot and sent the ball spinning past his own keeper into the corner of Finland’s net. If the skipper’s cross for that one was sent more in hope than expectation, four minutes later he delivered properly.Ralston’s long ball was headed out by a back-tracking Finnish defence to the Liverpool full-back. His return cross picked out Shankland, who headed in his third international goal from close range.The creator and the finisher were promptly withdrawn, with Greg Taylor and under-21 call-up Tommy Conway sent on. Finland thought they’d pulled one back when Robin Lod sent a curler beyond the diving Angus Gunn – but the assistant’s flag was already up. The next Scotland sub prompted one of the biggest roars of the night as Craig Gordon replaced Gunn for his 75th – and probably last – international cap. And the veteran was immediately in action, maintaining a Scotland clean sheet after Finland sub Ben Kallman skinned Hanley and Gordon had to claw his drive into the side netting for a corner. And Kallman reduced the deficit when his header from fellow sub Oliver Antman’s cross squeezed under Gordon – with the goal ratified by a VAR check. VAR was again in action seven minutes from time when Gordon recklessly flattened Finnish sub Tomas Galvez. The Hearts keeper claimed he’d got a touch on the ball, but the check ruled in favour of Finland and Antman drilled home the spot-kick. READ MORE SUN STORIESAnd though Conway forced a great stoppage-time save from Sinisalo with a header, Scotland suffered friendly disappointment again.Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page More

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      England’s alternative 26-man squad of axed stars that would STILL have a chance of winning Euro 2024

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      ENGLAND would still be considered one of the favourites for Euro 2024 even with a squad made up of those stars left out.Ruthless Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate, 53, confirmed the seven players that he had cut from his provisional 33-man squad.Gareth Southgate announced his England squad for Euro 2024 on ThursdayCredit: GettyEven some England stars were surprised Jack Grealish was left outCredit: PAMarcus Rashford (right) starred at the World Cup but then failed to even make the original 33-man squadCredit: GettyJarrad Branthwaite was a very controversial omission after excellent form for EvertonCredit: PAIt had already emerged that James Maddison had left the camp after learning that he had been omitted while Liverpool duo Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah also missed out – although the latter has remained with the squad on standby.Back-up goalie James Trafford was then cut, with Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson selected as Southgate’s goalkeepers.But then the big bombshell dropped that experienced duo Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish were left out.Manchester United star Maguire, 31, had already been a doubt – having not played since April due to a calf issue – and the 63-cap defender lost his fitness race.READ MORE ON ENGLANDGrealish, meanwhile, was a more surprise omission despite him being limited to just 10 Premier League starts last term after falling out of favour with boss Pep Guardiola at Man City.Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was the seventh player to get cut – but a host more hopefuls also missed out completely.Here we take a look at the impressive list of English players that will not be heading to Germany – and this alternative squad would certainly still pack a punch at the Euros.Newcastle goalie Nick Pope’s dislocated shoulder injury in December all-but ended his hopes, and despite returning for their final game, he failed to convince Southgate of his fitness as he missed out with Trafford.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSNo eyebrows would have been raised had any of the Chelsea defensive trio Reece James, Ben Chilwell and Levi Colwill had been included, despite their own injury issues.And Man City’s Rico Lewis, Bayern Munich’s Eric Dier and AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori could easily have also got in – although there has seemingly been no kissing and making up between the England camp and Arsenal’s Ben White.’You know what he’s done for me’ – Emotional Gareth Southgate reveals why he left Harry Maguire out of England squadMarcus Rashford and Raheem Sterling are two of the most experienced not to go along with Newcastle forward Callum Wilson.Throw in the likes of Champions League finalist Jadon Sancho, Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham along with Grealish and Maddison, this alternative group would definitely have provided plenty of goal threat as well.When asked whether the squad announcement was 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.Ex-Chelsea star Fikayo Tomori has had a positive season at AC MilanCredit: GettyHarry Maguire is a traditional favourite of Gareth Southgate but found himself out of the squad due to a late-season injuryCredit: PANewcastle’s Nick Pope has been beset by injury this season but recovered in MayCredit: Getty“We have tried to [make decisions] respectively, and understand it 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.”Then, on leaving out 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.”READ MORE SUN STORIES We will see how those selected perform under the expectations of a nation in Germany when they kick off their Euro 2024 group stage against Serbia on June 16.They then face Denmark four days later before playing their final group match on June 25 against Slovenia. More

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      I’m an ex-Scotland star… Paul Gascoigne gave me his shirt from England Euro 96 clash then ran away

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      WHEN Stuart McCall tunes into the Euros, he will remember a famous TV interview about Gazza and a funny tale featuring his beloved Corrie.The former Scotland midfielder, 59, started all their games at the tournaments in 1992 and 1996 but they failed to get out of the group stages both times.Paul Gascoigne is best remembered in the 2-0 win over Scotland for his ‘Dentist’s Chair’ celebration but Stuart McCall recalls the day for another reasonCredit: GettyMcCall, seen taking on Germany’s Stefan Effenberg at the Euros in 1992, also took part in the tournament four years laterCredit: GettyAnd one of his clearest memories is a battle with England legend and then Rangers team-mate Paul Gascoigne, in the 2-0 defeat at Wembley 28 years ago.McCall said: “Me and Gazza changed next to each other at Rangers for nearly three years and I’d done an interview on TV the night before the game.“I said my little girl wanted a 3-3 draw, with me to get a hat-trick and Gazza to get a hat-trick.“As I walked to the dressing room at half-time, I heard this rapping of studs on concrete.READ MORE EURO 2024 NEWS“It was Gazza and I’d not spoken to him before or during the game.“He gave me his shirt and said, ‘That’s for your little girl’, and then he carried on running.“He’d seen the interview, I’d not even asked for it.“So I stuffed the shirt into my bag and didn’t say anything to anyone.”Most read in Euro 2024The ex-Rangers midfielder won 40 caps for the Tartan ArmyCredit: RexBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSMcCall roomed with midfielder John Collins on international duty — and it led to a TV clash.He explained: “We’d watch TV in our room and every time the adverts came on, John’d do press-ups and sit-ups.Scotland’s Euro 2024 Squad Revealed as Souttar and Gordon miss out“I got a bit fed up with it and – even though  Coronation Street was my favourite programme – I made sure we watched the BBC all night so he couldn’t do exercises.  He was a machine!”McCall was also No 2 to Gordon Strachan between 2013-17 and worked with several of the stars who current Scotland boss Steve Clarke will take to  Germany this month.And he is sure they can achieve success he was denied in the 1990s.McCall added: “We are not in the greatest run of form but these guys have a chance to go the step further than any  Scottish player has done.“There’ll be thousands of Scots there and there’s an opportunity to go far.“Steve and the players will look back on the last Euros as a missed opportunity but now they have another chance  to make history – and they can do it.”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
      “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.” More

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      England star ruled out of Iceland clash with injury just minutes after being named in Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad

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      LEWIS DUNK is OUT of England’s final warm-up game but IN their Euro 2024 squad.Dunk missing Friday’s Wembley friendly with Iceland highlights defensive injuries troubling Three Lions’ boss Gareth Southgate.Lewis Dunk, Ollie Watkins and Adam Wharton all survived the cutCredit: GettyBut Dunk won’t be fit for England’s final warm-up gameCredit: GettyHarry Maguire is the big absentee from the 26-man squad for Germany because of a calf problem.But Southgate is “gambling” on Maguire’s Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw recovering quickly and fully at left-back.And Brighton centre-back Dunk, 32, has had preparations for his first major international tournament marred by his own calf issue.Southgate confirmed the Premier League stalwart “won’t be available” against Iceland.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWSBut he stressed Dunk “can train from next week” and that “everyone else” is able to practice on Friday.Meanwhile, Southgate is showing faith in Shaw partly due to England’s lack of depth at left-back.He reckons the 28-year-old has “progressed well in the last few weeks”.Southgate revealed: “We think he can have involvement in the second group game. Most read in Euro 2024How England will line up after big names axed from Euros

      BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERS”He’s had a good volume of work and operating at good speed.”I think you can take one gamble and that’s a gamble which we have enough evidence on that we can take. ‘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.”

      “The fact he has experience and he’s a left-footer that can drive forward too.”The Three Lions open their Euro campaign against Serbia on June 16.Then come the last two group matches with Denmark five days later and Slovenia on June 25.Southgate added: “Part of the reason we couldn’t take Maguire is that he would have been the tenth 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.” More

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      Gareth Southgate reveals axed England star who could STILL play in Euro 2024 and face Iceland at Wembley

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      GARETH SOUTHGATE has named his seven-man Euro 2024 axe list.But for one England star, the dream may not yet be over.Gareth Southgate reckons it would be ‘great’ for Jarell Quansah to pick up Wembley experience against Iceland on FridayCredit: GettyHarry Maguire is ‘devastated’ to miss out on England’s squadCredit: GettyGareth Southgate axed the centre-back – but put him in the squad for Friday’s friendly with Iceland and on STANDBY for the finals.Injured Harry Maguire and Everton’s £80million-rated Jarrad Branthwaite might be seen as the biggest names omitted from his defensive options.But when asked if anyone would be on standby for the Euros, Southgate singled out a player who has made just 17 Premier League games.He said: “Jarell Quansah has stayed with us.READ MORE ENGLAND NEWS”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.”Southgate admitted it was agony reducing his 33-man squad to 26.Manchester United ace Maguire is “devastated” to be out with a calf issue that denied him a place in last month’s FA Cup final win over Man City.Most read in Euro 2024BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSSouthgate said: “Trent [Alexander-Arnold] can play play in defence and I think we have nine defenders.”Harry has made some progress but it’s been complicated, we definitely wouldn’t have had him for the group stages.”‘You know what he’s done for me’ – Emotional Gareth Southgate reveals why he left Harry Maguire out of England squadIn contrast, Southgate was confident enough in the recovery of Maguire’s club-mate Luke Shaw to keep the left-back in his reduced squad.He explained: “He’s progressed really well in the last couple of weeks.”At the moment we think he could have some involvement in the second group game.” I think you can take one gamble and that’s a gamble, we’ve got enough evidence to believe it can pay off.”Meanwhile, Quansah will be anxiously hoping for his senior Three Lions debut against Iceland.He only picked up his first league experience in January 2023 with a loan debut for Bristol Rovers in league One.READ MORE SUN STORIESThen came his England Under-20 bow two months later and his U21 introduction in October 2023.But he had a superb breakthrough season with Liverpool in 2023-24. More