Gareth Southgate has promised a “different” England for Euro 2024. With bold decisions and an emphasis on youth, the squad looks unlike any other in recent history. Twelve players are gearing up for their first major tournament. This fresh approach led to the tough exclusion of stars like Jack Grealish and James Maddison. Harry Maguire also misses out due to a calf injury, leaving a gap in experience at the back.
Southgate acknowledged the difficulty of his decisions, especially given the calibre of players left out. “There’s disappointment today, but there’s also excitement about the new players,” he said. He expressed confidence in the squad’s new dynamic, predicting fans will be captivated by their play.
According to The Independent, losing Maguire’s aerial prowess at set-pieces raised concerns. Southgate, however, remains optimistic. “We’ll have to find different strategies. Harry’s been key at set-pieces, but we have other options,” he noted.
Grealish’s exclusion boiled down to fitness issues, particularly Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon. Southgate made the decision quickly to avoid prolonging uncertainty. “Once we had the information, we moved fast. I didn’t want players hanging on,” he explained. He described the conversation with Grealish as particularly tough, emphasizing his high regard for the player.
The mood among the squad was subdued on Thursday, but Southgate planned to rally the team and staff for the upcoming challenge. Despite the squad’s youth, he dismissed concerns, highlighting the leadership role of Harry Kane. The inclusion of Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney also sparked debate about Kane’s fitness, which Southgate downplayed, stressing the need for diverse attacking options.
England’s match against Iceland on Friday will serve as a send-off, with Aaron Ramsdale confirmed to start. Southgate’s strategic decisions, though controversial, aim to build a squad capable of surprising fans and opponents alike at Euro 2024.
