England manager Gareth Southgate has faced criticism in the past for ignoring form when selecting squads. However, his squad for Euro 2024 in Germany is a clear departure from that trend. While there may be some debate about certain omissions, such as Jarrad Branthwaite in favor of Lewis Dunk, overall Southgate has made bold and justified choices.
One of the most talked-about exclusions is Jack Grealish from Manchester City. However, when assessing his performance this season, it becomes clear that players like Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze, Newcastle United’s Anthony Gordon, and West Ham United’s Mark Bowen have outperformed him. Southgate’s decision to prioritize form over reputation is a testament to his commitment to selecting the best players for the job.
James Maddison from Tottenham is another player who may have been considered in the past. However, his recent performances have not been up to par, and therefore he did not make the cut. Southgate’s willingness to make tough decisions based on current form shows his dedication to creating a strong squad for Euro 2024.
One surprising inclusion in the squad is Adam Wharton from Crystal Palace. His impressive performance against Bosnia-Herzegovina at Newcastle convinced Southgate that he deserved a place in the team. Wharton’s composure on the ball and awareness of his surroundings have impressed both the manager and his teammates. He may even have a chance to feature in the opening game against Serbia.
Eze from Crystal Palace falls into a similar category as Wharton. His exciting and fearless style of play makes him an ideal candidate for a major tournament. Choosing Eze over the more experienced Grealish may raise eyebrows, but Southgate’s decision is justified when considering Eze’s recent form. If even Pep Guardiola had doubts about Grealish, it is understandable that Southgate would feel the same.
However, Southgate’s decision to leave out Harry Maguire is more complex. If Maguire had been fit, he would have undoubtedly been selected. Despite concerns about his recent form at club level, Southgate would have relied on Maguire’s leadership and defensive skills. His absence is a significant blow to the squad, but Southgate has prepared for this by including Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, Liverpool’s Joe Gomez, and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa.
Overall, England’s squad for Euro 2024 has a fresh and bold look. Southgate’s willingness to make tough decisions and his commitment to selecting players based on current form is commendable. The inclusion of both Ollie Watkins from Aston Villa and Ivan Toney from Brentford as potential backups for captain Harry Kane shows Southgate’s positive approach to the tournament.
There will undoubtedly be much discussion surrounding Southgate’s choices for Germany. However, his critics cannot accuse him of shying away from difficult decisions. This England squad has the potential to make a strong impact at Euro 2024 and Southgate should be commended for his bold and well-informed selections.