Rashford, Grealish, Maddison & Henderson all set to miss out on England's squad for Euro 2024: Report

(Courtesy : England FA)
Gareth Southgate is set to announce his provisional squad today
Gareth Southgate is set to announce his England squad later today and according to rumours, several key players and stars have been left out of his provisional England squad for Euro 2024. While Harry Kane’s inclusion is no surprise, rumours suggest a surprising number of attacking talents have been left out, with a heavy focus on defenders dominating the leaked list.
This potential selection has sparked fierce debate, leaving fans questioning if Southgate’s rumored cautious approach could backfire for England on the big stage.
The most notable absences are Marcus Rashford, Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Ivan Toney, reports suggest. All have enjoyed strong spells in the Premier League, with Rashford and Grealish boasting big-game experience.
However, their inclusion appears to be sacrificed for a more robust defensive line-up. Southgate has opted for six central defenders, including the in-form Fikayo Tomori and the versatile Marc Guehi, alongside the established John Stones and Harry Maguire. This shift suggests a preference for solidity at the back, potentially prioritizing clean sheets over attacking flair.
Jordan Henderson also set to miss out on England’s squad
Jordan Henderson’s omission further emphasizes Southgate’s defensive focus. The experienced midfielder, a regular under previous managers, seems to be deemed surplus to requirements with the likes of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham offering a more defensively sound midfield pairing.
This decision raises questions about the balance of the squad. While a strong defense is crucial, England’s attacking potential, already blunted by the potential absence of several key forwards, could be significantly hampered.
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Southgate’s reasoning for this defensive approach remains unclear. Perhaps he seeks to replicate the success of teams like Italy at Euro 2020, who prioritized defensive solidity on their way to the trophy. However, England’s attacking talent pool is arguably stronger than Italy’s, and fans may argue that Southgate should be looking to exploit this advantage.
The provisional nature of the squad offers some hope for the attackers. The upcoming friendly matches provide a crucial opportunity for them to stake their claim and potentially force their way into the final 23-man squad.
Players like Rashford and Grealish will need to deliver consistent performances to convince Southgate that their attacking threat outweighs the defensive stability offered by additional defenders.
Southgate’s decision is undoubtedly a gamble. While a strong defense is vital, neglecting attacking talent could prove costly. The success of this approach will hinge on the remaining attackers performing at their peak and the defense holding firm.
The coming weeks will be a tense period for both fans and the players on the fringes, as they wait to see if Southgate will stick to his guns or adjust his tactics before the Euros kick-off.
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