Gareth Southgate has delivered a seismic shock to England's Euro 2024 preparations by axing experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson from his provisional squad. The Three Lions boss has opted for youth over experience in a bold midfield reshuffle that sees several fresh faces included.
Major Midfield Overhaul
In what represents Southgate's most significant squad selection gamble, the England manager has omitted 33-year-old Henderson entirely from his initial 30-man group. The former Liverpool captain's exclusion comes after a challenging season with Ajax, marking the end of his international tournament streak.
The new midfield dynamic sees Liverpool's Curtis Jones and Crystal Palace sensation Adam Wharton rewarded for their outstanding club form with surprise call-ups. Their inclusion signals Southgate's intention to refresh England's engine room ahead of the Germany tournament.
Tuchel's Influence on Selection
Former Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel had previously advocated for Henderson's inclusion, describing him as "born for European Championships." However, Southgate has clearly decided to follow a different path, prioritising current form and tactical flexibility over past achievements.
The squad announcement reveals a clear shift in strategy, with Southgate appearing to build his midfield around the emerging talents who have impressed throughout the Premier League season.
What This Means for England's Euro 2024 Chances
This radical selection approach demonstrates Southgate's willingness to make tough decisions as he seeks to guide England to their first major tournament victory since 1966. The midfield revamp suggests:
- A move towards more dynamic, technically gifted midfielders
- Greater emphasis on recent club performance over experience
- Potential formation changes to accommodate new personnel
- Increased competition for starting positions
With the final 26-man squad to be confirmed by June 7th, several players now face an anxious wait as Southgate trims his provisional selection. The inclusion of Jones and Wharton provides exciting new options, but questions remain about whether their limited international experience will prove decisive in high-pressure tournament matches.
