Gareth Southgate has promised a different England at Euro 2024 after making the ruthless decision to drop a 'devastated' Jack Grealish and the injured Harry Maguire from his final 26-man squad. The omissions were the standout moments on a difficult day for the England head coach, who also cut James Trafford, Jarell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Maddison and Curtis Jones from the 33-man training squad.
Despite the heartache for the seven players left out, Southgate predicted supporters would be 'captivated' by his overall selections. He has ushered in a new wave of talent by including Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze, Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton, while leaving out previous tournament stalwarts. The turnover has been startling, with 13 players from the 2022 World Cup squad omitted, including Raheem Sterling, Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips.
Southgate has selected 12 players with no tournament experience but is excited about the squad's feel ahead of England's final warm-up match against Iceland on Friday. 'There's some disappointment today but there'll be a lot of excitement about players we've selected and to see some of the players who mean we've got a different look about us in terms of how we play,' he said. 'I think people will be captivated by that.'
Maguire's absence due to a slow recovery from a calf injury leaves England lacking aerial power, but Southgate backed Marc Guéhi to step up alongside John Stones. Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez and Ezri Konsa are other centre-back options. 'We'll miss Harry's aerial presence. There's no doubt about that but there's more speed in those guys,' Southgate said.
Southgate explained that he only had room for one fitness gamble, with Luke Shaw the only recognised left-back in the squad. Shaw, out since February, has a chance of featuring in England's second group game against Denmark on 20 June. Regarding Maguire, Southgate said: 'The best-case scenario was after the third group game and everything has to go perfectly.'
Grealish, a hugely popular figure, paid the price for a disappointing season with Manchester City. 'I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated,' Southgate said. 'I think the world of him as a kid.'
