Gareth Southgate announced his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024 on Thursday, dropping seven players from the original training group, including Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire.
The Three Lions boss had the unenviable task of telling his stars they wouldn’t be on a plane to Germany for just over a week, and admitted it was one of his toughest weeks in the role.
Unsurprisingly, Grealish and Maguire’s omissions made headlines. Both players have played key roles in the Southgate era, especially the Manchester United centre-back who is usually a mainstay in the back four.
The other unlucky five players to miss were James Maddison, Jarrad Branthwaite, Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah and James Trafford.
It means Southgate has opted for a new-look Three Lions side for the upcoming European Championship, with a wealth of new faces and young players selected alongside some of his more trusted stalwarts.
Gareth Southgate dropped seven players from his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024
Both Jack Grealish (left) and Harry Maguire (right) were notable omissions from the group
Southgate also left out Jarrad Branthwaite, surprising Mail Sport readers
The main reason one of his regulars, Maguire, has missed is because of a calf injury he suffered in April from which he has not yet fully recovered.
Meanwhile, Grealish’s negligence is due to his disappointing performances at Manchester City last season and the strength of other players in similar positions.
Southgate’s selections have sparked mass debate across the country. The team has divided opinions among fans and experts alike.
And the same can be said for Mail Sport readers, who have had their say on the England boss’s decisions.
A whole host of readers are happy with Southgate’s choices, with many singling out Grealish. One commentator even went so far as to say that it is the rival countries that should be upset.
They said: ‘The omission of Grealish and Maguire will be a major disappointment for the other teams in the competition.’
One reader was also pleased that Grealish was left out: ‘Good conversation for once. Grealish has had a bad season… I find him frustrating to watch, he always complicates things and slows down the game. I still think he is a number 10, not a wide player.’
Another agreed: ‘Right decision on Grealish. If he doesn’t start, I don’t really see what he can offer from the bench. If I’m chasing a game with 10/15 minutes to go, I’d much rather see someone with pace and directness, rather than Grealish slowing the game down, passing sideways etc.”
Southgate’s loyalty to certain players in the past has upset certain England fans, but not this time.
“Southgate is ruthless and finally making the right decisions. Getting rid of the deadweights. It’s a good move on his part. He gets a lot of criticism, but I applaud him today,” said one commentator.
Another then sympathized with Southgate: ‘You have to admit that it is difficult for everyone to select only 26 players. Really good individuals and I have to say the exclusion of Jack Grealish and Maddison is a surprise. But you never know, they might get injured one time and they might be called up to participate.”
Predictably, however, the announcement divided opinion. Many Mail Sport readers were confused as to why both Grealish and Branthwaite were left out.
One reader pointed out the lack of experience in the squad and believes Grealish would have provided the right mentality.
They wrote, “I truly believe that it takes experience, knowledge, and the talent and training to perform well. By cutting players like Grealish we leave the field open for the young people who have never played internationally, the nerves are starting to get going.’
Grealish made a cameo in England’s 3-0 win over Bosnia on Monday night, claiming an assist for the second goal.
His performance at St James’ Park impressed many Three Lions fans, with some unable to ignore the fact that he is being left out after a strong performance.
“I could understand not considering Grealish in the first place, but playing him in a friendly, seeing him play well and THEN shaking him off makes no sense,” said one reader.
Another felt the same way, writing: ‘Jack needs to be gutted. He gets a chance to prove himself, steps up, shows great skill and touch and changed the game. What a great impact player he would have been on the bench, wouldn’t he, if you play Southgate.’
While much of the focus was on Grealish, the exclusion of Everton’s 21-year-old centre-back Branthwaite left some supporters confused.
One commentator said: ‘I can’t believe Branthwaite didn’t make the squad, especially after the season he’s had for Everton, I would definitely have taken him over Dunk, Guehi and Konsa. I think we’ll get caught at the back too. I think the midfield looks a bit light.’
‘I find it really bizarre not to involve Branthwaite. Left-footed, future centre-back for England for many years to come, and he can actually defend unlike the others.’
And one England fan couldn’t believe an injured Luke Shaw had made it through, writing: ‘Fitness concerns about Grealish and Maguire? What about Luke Shaw, who hasn’t kicked a ball in three months.’
Fans weren’t the only people who had their say about this. Maguire himself released a statement on social media expressing his sadness at being left at home.
“I am devastated that I have not been selected to play for England at the European Championships this summer,” the United man wrote.
‘Despite my best efforts, I was unable to overcome an injury to my calf. Maybe I pushed myself too hard to try. Simply put, I am absolutely gutted.
‘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 win it guys.
‘I will then return under the supervision of Manchester United’s medical team to prepare for next season.’
James Maddison was the first player to be dropped from the England squad by Southgate
Both Harry Maguire and James posted statements on social media following the announcement
James Maddison also took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his feelings after becoming the first person to let go.
He posted: ‘Destroyed isn’t quite enough. I trained well and worked hard all week, but if I’m honest with myself, my form for Spurs when I returned from injury in the second half of the season was probably not at the level I set, leaving Gareth with a decision to make to take.
‘I still thought there would be a place for me in a 26-man squad as I feel I bring something different and have been a mainstay throughout this whole Euro 2024 qualifying season in Germany, but the manager has decision has been made and I must respect this. That.
‘I’ll be back, I have no doubt about that. I wish the guys all the luck in the world in Germany, an incredible group and guys I literally call some of my best friends.
“I really hope football comes home.”