Gareth Southgate Announces Euro 2024 England Squad
After finishing runners-up at the last tournament in 2021, England is one of the favorites to win the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany this summer. Today, head coach Gareth Southgate announced his 26-man squad for the competition, and some big names were left out. Some players were left out due to injury, but others were cut due to poor form with their respective clubs this season. Here’s a breakdown of who was picked and who was snubbed by Southgate ahead of the tournament.
The Obvious Picks
The three goalkeepers, Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, and Aaron Ramsdale make sense. They are experienced players and are the starting goalkeepers at their respective teams. As for defense, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, and Trent-Alexander Arnold are three of the best right-backs in the world currently. Alexander-Arnold has started to play as a central midfielder at times this season with Liverpool, giving Southgate the option to be able to play Walker or Trippier at the same time with him. John Stones is England’s best center-back, and Luke Shaw is the only left-back in the squad. Declan Rice will serve as England’s defensive midfielder.
The offense is the most impressive part of the squad. Bundesliga Golden Boot winner Harry Kane, UEFA Champions League winner Jude Bellingham, and Champions League and six-time Premier League winner Phil Foden headline a star-studded attack. Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Cole Palmer, Anthony Gordon, Jarrod Bowen, and Bukayo Saka are all proven goal-scorers.
The Newer but Deserved Picks
Marc Guehi and Lewis Dunk will compete for the starting role at center-back after Harry Maguire suffered a calf injury. Ezri Konsa helped Aston Villa secure a top-five finish in the Premier League this season and could also make a significant case to start alongside Stones. Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton will be looking to make their first-ever tournament appearances for England after impressive seasons. The two will likely be used as late substitutes but could serve as solid bench pieces. In offense, Eberechi Eze had a solid season with Crystal Palace, scoring 11 goals and providing four assists. It will be hard for him to earn a spot in a loaded England attack, but he could also be used as a solid substitute.
The Ones Who Are Staying Home
There are only two big names left on the squad—Jack Grealish and James Maddison. Grealish only started 10 games this season, and Maddison went on a two-month scoreless streak. Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips, two players who have experience under Southgate, also missed out and were not selected. Grealish and Maddison may not have been starters in attack, but they could have helped add to England’s depth. Southgate explained that there are players ahead of them who have had better seasons. One thing is for sure, though, England still has one of the best squads in the world right now and has a great opportunity to win the Euro 2024.
