Gareth Southgate revealed his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024 on Thursday, cutting 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 that they would not be on the plane to Germany in just over a week’s time, admitting it was one of his hardest weeks in the role.
The omissions of Grealish and Maguire unsurprisingly took the 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 unfortunate five players to miss out were James Maddison, Jarrad Branthwaite, Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, and James Trafford.
It means Southgate has gone with a new-look Three Lions side for this upcoming Euros with a hoard of new faces and young guns selected alongside some of his more trusted stalwarts.
Gareth Southgate cut seven players to make his 26-man England squad for Euro 2024
Both Jack Grealish (left) and Harry Maguire (right) were high profile omissions from the group
Southgate also left out Jarrad Branthwaite which surprised the readers of Mail Sport
The main reason one of his usual regulars, Maguire, has missed out is due to a calf injury that he sustained in April, which he is yet to recover from fully.
Meanwhile, Grealish’s omission is down 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 squad has split opinion among fans and experts alike.
And the same can be said about Mail Sport readers, who have had their say on the decisions made by the England boss.
A whole host of readers are happy with Southgate’s choices, with many singling out Grealish. One commenter even went as far to say that it’s rival countries who should be upset.
They said: ‘The omission of Grealish and Maguire will come as a great disappointment to the other teams in the competition.’
One reader was also happy to see Grealish omitted: ‘Good call for once. Grealish has had a poor season… I find him frustrating to watch, always complicates things and slows the game down. I still think he’s a number 10, not a wide player.’
Another, agreed: ‘Correct decision regarding Grealish. If he doesn’t start I don’t really see what he offers from the bench. Chasing a game with 10/15 mins to go i’d far rather see someone with pace and directness come on instead of Grealish slowing down the play, passing sideways etc.’
Southgate’s loyalty to certain players in the past has upset certain England fans, but not this time.
‘Southgate being ruthless and finally making the right decisions. Getting rid of the deadweights. It’s a good move by him. He gets criticised a lot, but i applaud him today,’ said one commenter.
Another then sympathised with Southgate: ‘You have to admit that it’s hard for anyone to select only 26 players. Really good individuals and have to say Jack Grealish and Maddison’s exclusion is a surprise. But you never know, they might one injury to the squad and might be called to join.’
However, as to be expected, the announcement split opinion. Many Mail Sport readers were confused as to why both Grealish and Branthwaite were left out.
One reader singled out the lack of experience in the squad, and believes Grealish would have provided the right mentality.
They wrote: ‘I truly believe you need experience, knowledge and the talent & training to do well. By cutting players such as Grealish we are leaving the field open to the youngsters who have never played internationally before, the nerves will kick in.’
Grealish was given 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, and some can’t wrap their head around him being left out after putting in a strong display.
‘I could understand not considering Grealish in the first place, but to play him in a friendly, watch him play well, and THEN axe him makes no sense,’ said a reader.
Another felt the same, and wrote: ‘Jack must be gutted. Given a chance to prove himself, comes on, shows great skill and touch and changed the game. What a great impact player he would have been on the bench or not if you’re Southgate.’
While a lot of the attention was on Grealish, the exclusion of 21-year-old Everton centre-back, Branthwaite, bewildered some supporters.
One commenter said: ‘I can’t believe Branthwaite did not make the squad especially after the season he has had for Everton, definitely would of had him over Dunk, Guehi and Konsa, I think we will get caught out at the back, also think the midfield looks a bit light.’
‘Find it really bizarre not to include 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 that an injured Luke Shaw made the cut, they wrote: ‘Fitness worries about Grealish and Maguire? What about Luke Shaw who hasn’t kicked a ball in 3 months.’
Fans were not the only people to have their say on the matter. Maguire himself released a statement on social media declaring his sadness at being left at home.
‘I am devastated not to have been selected to play for England at the Euros this summer,’ wrote the United man.
‘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.
‘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.’
James Maddison was the first player to be axed from the England squad by Southgate
Both Harry Maguire and James posted statements on social media after the announcement
James Maddison also took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his feelings after being the first person let go.
He posted: ‘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.’
