Charles Jackson
On the eve of Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate provided a new dawn for the England national team. Outside, even of the training squad that will compete for 26 places in the tournament, are some of the most important figures in the Three Lions’ return to contention in major tournaments in the last six years. There is no room for vice-captain Jordan Henderson nor Marcus RashfordIt is Raheem Sterling exile from the international scene continues.
More familiar faces from previous squads that were not eliminated include the Chelsea double side Reece James It is Ben Chilwellplagued by injuries this season, while Eric Dier thin form on loan in Bayern Munchen it wasn’t enough for him to be called Southgate after what he described as the most “complicated” selection he has ever made as he prepares for his fourth major tournament as England manager. Rather than rely on veterans, Southgate appointed a 33-strong training group packed with emerging talent, including the quartet of Jarell Quansah, Curtis Jones, Jarrad Branthwaite It is Adam Wharton.
The latter, who was playing with Blackburn Rovers in the Championship at the start of 2024, is one of four Crystal Palace representatives who will fight for places in the final squad to travel to Germanywho Southgate must appoint by midnight on June 7th. Eberechi Ezecalled up for Euro 2020 only to miss out due to injury, was called up alongside teammates Dean Henderson It is Marco Guehi.
Branthwaite rewarded for impressive season as starter for Sean Dyche’s side Everton side, although there are two particularly notable representatives from all of Stanley Park. Quansah made the most of an injury crisis in central defense to feature prominently in the Liverpool season, while Jones has regained form and fitness after missing the last international break with an ankle problem.
“Everyone has a chance,” Southgate said. “There are definitely some players we wanted to see. The reason for the longer squad – we were in a similar situation before the last Euro – [is that] More time will help us make better decisions and have a more balanced squad. There are some injury problems that are very obvious and apparent, some that are more subtle.
“We can make better decisions if we give ourselves more time. There are times when time doesn’t necessarily help you make better decisions, but this time it will.”
A “significant number” of Southgate’s squad will have work to do to prove their fitness in the coming days. Luke Shaw, the preferred option at left-back when fit, has not played since February due to a muscle problem. He is Harry Maguire are doubts for Saturday’s FA Cup final. Southgate noted that Shaw may not have been considered for the team if he was not first choice in his position and was “struggling” in his race to prove his fitness.
“I’m not sure what’s realistic,” he added. “I would have to say he’s a long shot.”
Anthony Gordon appears to have overcome the injury that kept him out of Newcastle’s final game of the season against Brentford. Harry Kane is nursing a back injury, but Bukayo Saka absence of Arsenal The final game of the season should not affect his role at Euro 2024, Mikel Arteta confirmed on Sunday.
“We’ve never had so many unknown situations,” Southgate said. “We’ve had tournaments where we took players where we knew they would come back at a certain time. We are used to dealing with this.
“I always like to give players as much clarity as possible. But this time we can’t do that.”
Southgate’s training squad will come together on Wednesday, May 29, although those involved in the FA Cup final between City of Manchester It is Manchester United will arrive at a later date. Jude Bellingham should not participate in at least the first pre-tournament friendly, he will play in the Champions League final for Real Madrid against Borussia Dortmund on June 1st.
England will face Bosnia two days later before facing Iceland on June 7th. The Three Lions, among the favorites to win Euro 2024, start the tournament against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on June 16th.
Full England training squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), James Trafford (Burnley), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace)
Defenders: Kyle Walker (City of Manchester), John Pedras (Manchester City), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Jarrell Quansah (Liverpool), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)
Midfielders: Declan Rice (Arsenal), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool)
Attackers: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Phil Foden (City of Manchester), Jack Grealish (City of Manchester), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), James Maddison (Tottenham)
