- Maddison dropped, Southgate evaluates midfield options
- Jones and Quansah also out of consideration
- Southgate faces roster cuts, Shaw’s fitness crucial
James Maddison has been the first player to be removed from England’s roster for Euro 2024. Since his return from an ankle injury in January, the Tottenham playmaker has needed more consistency. He departed the camp after being informed on Wednesday that he would not be included in the final 26-man group for the trip to Germany.
Additionally, Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones will not be included in the squad. Liverpool’s uncapped centre-back, Jarrell Quansah, is anticipated to be excluded. Jones was in contention to be selected for England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium in March; however, an injury temporarily halted his momentum. Southgate rates the teenager; however, he did not participate in the match against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday and has yet received a cap.
Gareth Southgate must eliminate seven players from his provisional roster of 33 by Friday night. Maddison’s absence, a surprise selection at the 2022 World Cup, will increase the likelihood of Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, and Jack Grealish being included in the final squad. Bowen is believed to be in a favourable position following his impressive performance in England’s friendly victory over Bosnia.
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England’s final warm-up match against Iceland is scheduled for Friday, and the West Ham winger may be allowed to start again. Grealish and Eze will also be optimistic about their prospects following their satisfactory performances against Bosnia. However, if Southgate elects to include Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, who has excelled in his inaugural international camp, one attacking midfielder may be required to relinquish his position.
Southgate’s primary concern is whether Luke Shaw, the sole recognized left-back in the squad, will be able to recuperate from his injury in time for the Euros. The Manchester United defender, who has not played since January, is making good progress and has provided Southgate with a boost by returning to training. Whether Harry Maguire can start in central defence when England plays Serbia in their opening game of the tournament on June 16th remains to be determined.
