Theo Walcott reveals he's not surprised by Gareth Southgate's England selections for Euro 2024 including Jack Grealish's omission

Theo Walcott has revealed that he isn't surprised by the omissions from Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024, including the choice to leave Jack Grealish out.

Grealish missed out on the final squad along with Curtis Jones, Jarrad Branthwaite, Jarell Quansah, James Maddison and James Trafford as well as the injured Harry Maguire. 

Walcott, who was famously named in the 2006 World Cup squad as a 17-year-old under Sven Goran Eriksson, will play in an England side alongside the likes of Jermain Defoe, Eddie Hearn and Stuart Broad. 

‘I wasn’t that surprised,’ Walcott told Mail Sport. ‘I was more surprised with some of the players that didn’t make the squad initially like Dominic Solanke - he’s had an incredible year. What does that say to players who play that well if they’re not even in the initial squad? 

'With Jack missing out, it’s because he’s competing with Anthony Gordon and out of the two, Gordon was a bit more fearless, attacking at players and tracking back this season. I want to see the Jack of a year and two ago. He’s a blessed footballer and him missing out on the squad just shows much talent we have'

Defoe, who scored 20 goals in 57 caps for England, agreed with Walcott.

‘In those forward areas, I can’t remember the last time we had that many options. Those players in the forward areas excite me,’ he said. ‘It was so tough for Gareth but this group of players really believe they can do it,’ added Defoe, who currently manages the U18 team at Tottenham.

England are looking to end a five-year losing streak on Sunday against a World XI captained by Usain Bolt and includes the likes of Petr Cech, Eden Hazard, Mikel Essien and Tommy Fury. Last year, the World XI came out on top 4-2 at Old Trafford in a game that raised £14.6 million for charity.

And recently retired England cricketer Stuart Broad - playing in his first Soccer Aid - believes that Sunday can mark the start of a summer treble for England.

‘We have to set the tone. Win on Sunday, then England win the T20 World Cup and then we win the Euros in Germany,’ said Broad.

‘In those forward areas, I can’t remember the last time we had that many options. Those players in the forward areas excite me,’ he said. ‘It was so tough for Gareth but this group of players really believe they can do it,’ added Defoe, who currently manages the U18 team at Tottenham.

England are looking to end a five-year losing streak on Sunday against a World XI captained by Usain Bolt and includes the likes of Petr Cech, Eden Hazard, Mikel Essien and Tommy Fury. Last year, the World XI came out on top 4-2 at Old Trafford in a game that raised £14.6 million for charity.

And recently retired England cricketer Stuart Broad - playing in his first Soccer Aid - believes that Sunday can mark the start of a summer treble for England.

‘We have to set the tone. Win on Sunday, then England win the T20 World Cup and then we win the Euros in Germany,’ said Broad.

Meanwhile, Harry Redknapp insists he is ‘disappointed’ that Maguire is not going to Euro 2024.

Speaking to Mail Sport at the Soccer Aid for UNICEF media day, Redknapp said: 'He’s not everyone’s cup of tea but I’m a big Harry Maguire fan. He sticks his head on it in both boxes and he’s a great danger from setpieces. Even though he’s injured, I’m disappointed he’s not going. He’s a character and a leader and a great loss for England.'

Redknapp will manage an England side filled with celebrities and former footballers alongside his nephew Frank Lampard as they take on a World XI led by Mauricio Pochettino on Sunday at Stamford Bridge in a game for charity.

And Lampard, who played for England between 1999 and 2014, said that he has sympathy for Gareth Southgate after the England manager cut the likes of James Maddison and Jack Grealish from his 26-man squad for the Euros and admits hat he believes England will go all the way in Germany.

‘They’re Gareth’s calls. He’s got to make big calls,’ said Lampard. It’s not easy but that’s probably the hardest part as a manager and I really think England can go all the way.'

Redknapp agreed that he ‘fancies England’ to win the tournament, given the wealth of attacking options in the squad.

‘I love Jack (Grealish) but there’s some real talent in the boy at Palace, Eberechi Eze. What a player he is and even Cole Palmer, what a season he’s had,’ said Redknapp. 'Hopefully it’s our time to a win a tournament. I fancy England. I really do.'

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2024 takes place at Stamford Bridge at 7:30pm on Sunday 9 June. The game will be broadcast live on ITV1 in England and Wales and STV in Scotland. It will also be available to be streamed on ITVX. More information can be found at https://www.socceraid.org.uk/