Reports indicate that two more players have been cut from England’s final 26-man squad for Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate initially selected a provisional squad of 33 players, intending to reduce it by seven for the final roster. Among those excluded is Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison.
Despite playing 28 Premier League matches last season under Ange Postecoglou and participating in England’s 3-0 friendly win against Bosnia, Maddison will not be traveling to Germany.
Notably, he was part of the squad for the 2022 Qatar World Cup but did not play in any matches.
Liverpool’s Curtis Jones is another player who will not make the final cut. Jones, who appeared in 36 matches across all competitions for Liverpool last season, has been informed of his exclusion.
The Daily Mail reports that his Liverpool teammate, Jarell Quansah, is also likely to miss out. Southgate had previously praised Quansah, noting his significant development and potential.
Reflecting on Quansah’s performance in the Bosnia friendly, Southgate commented on his positive display, character development, and eagerness to learn. He highlighted Quansah’s performance in the final half-hour of the game as crucial.
Southgate acknowledged the strategic challenges ahead, emphasizing the need for various methods to tackle the different problems posed by other teams in the tournament.
The exclusion of players like Maddison and Jones illustrates the competitive nature of the selection process.
Southgate’s focus on versatile and adaptable strategies underscores his commitment to navigating the complexities of the upcoming tournament.
The final squad will need to adapt and perform under the pressures of international competition, embodying the depth and resilience Southgate has cultivated within the team.
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