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3 months ago
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Gareth Southgate has revealed why he elected to leave the likes of Jack Grealish and James Maddison out of England's Euro 2024 squad.
With the tournament in Germany fast approaching, in recent days Southgate has whittled his squad down to 26 players, making a number of significant omissions in the process.
In addition to both Grealish and Maddison, Harry Maguire will also not feature after failing to overcome an injury to his calf.
Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Trafford were the other names not to make the final cut.
Speaking on his decision to leave players out, Southgate insisted that the axed players' recent club form had proven a deciding factor.
Gareth Southgate has discussed his reasoning behind the notable omissions in his Euro 2024 squad
James Maddison and Jack Grealish have both been left out of England's final 26-man squad
'All of the players took the news really respectfully,' Southgate said. 'All players believe they should be in.
'We just feel other players have had stronger seasons, particularly in the last six months or so.
'The attacking areas of the pitch, we're blessed with options. They've been tough calls, they're calls we've gone over and over with the staff.
'We back our decisions but realise we could have gone a different route. Sad to have to deliver that news to them.'
Having served as one of Southgate's most trusted defensive stalwarts throughout his time in charge of the national team, the 53-year-old admitted it was no easy decision to leave out Maguire.
Southgate insisted that he took players' recent form in to account when deciding who to axe from his squad
However, both the Manchester United defender and Jarell Quansah are set to be on standby in case of injury.
'There were too many hurdles without being clear where we would get to.' The England boss said of Maguire.
'Another really difficult call. You know how I feel about Harry Maguire and what he's done for England and what he's done for me as a manager.
'Jarell Quansah has stayed with us. Hopefully we are not needing to call anybody else in.'
With just twelve days remaining until England kick-off their Group C campaign against Serbia at the Veltins-Arena, preparations are in full swing.
The Three Lions will play their final pre-tournament warm up against Iceland on Friday and Southgate offered a fitness update ahead of the friendly.
Southgate also detailed the 'difficult' decision to leave Harry Maguire out, with the defender injured
'Luke [Shaw] is still in rehab, Lewis Dunk won't be available tomorrow but will be ready to train from the beginning of next week.
'Everybody else is available. Harry [Kane] could play 90, not sure he will. No other concerns right now.'
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