SOUTHGATES BRUTAL ENGLAND CUTS

With the Euros coming up in Germany on June 14th, Gareth Southgate made some major changes to his England squad. The England coach initially called up 33 players to the squad under the context that it was preliminary but reputable newspaper The Athletic reported of the seven English talents who would miss out on the esteemed European competition.

The first name to break as not going to Germany was Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison, who after the news broke removed England from his Instagram bio and promptly after released a statement sharing his disappointment. The English midfielder started with 'devastated doesn't cut it' whilst also expressing that 'there would be enough space for me in the 26 man squad as I feel like I bring something different and have been a mainstay...', emphasising his disappointment.

However, most England fans feel that the Spurs midfielder was undeserving of going to an international tournament as his form in the league was dire and when he was called up to the preliminary squad he failed to impress, whereas England newcomer Eberechi Eze of Crystal Palace showed bouts of talent in England's friendly fixture against Bosnia.

Another star who was left at home was Jack Grealish, who like Maddison also had a poor season for four peat Premier League winners Manchester City. Grealish was allegedly stunned by the decision, believing Southgate would stand by him and apparently players in the camp approached coaching staff about this decision as they feel leaving Grealish behind would later be a mistake.

In truth, Jack Grealish is not the buzzing talent he was at Aston Villa for England and Manchester City. The left winger has not had many memorable caps for England and has not impressed more than other left wing choices such as Anthony Gordon, Phil Foden or Cole Palmer over the past two seasons.

Jarell Quansah, James Trafford, Jarrad Branthwaite, Curtis Jones and Harry Maguire were also eliminated from the squad.

In the case of Branthwaite, Quansah, Trafford & Jones it has come too early for them to represent England on the big stage but this call up to the squad shines a bright light for the young talents, showing the coaching staff have noticed their incredible work during their respective seasons and that they are knocking on the door.

Meanwhile Harry Maguire misses out due to injury; the defender will report back to Manchester United.

Southgate has made some bold decisions thus far by not considering the likes of England veterans Marcus Rashford & Raheem Sterling, having personal issues with ground breaking Ben White and dropping fan favourites Grealish & Maddison but his actions have many plausible reasons.

All of the debate about squad selection would likely get a lot quieter if the Three Lions were to make a strong impression at the start of Euro 2024, which they will look to do in what should be a favourable group against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia.