England manager Gareth Southgate has made some difficult decisions in selecting his provisional squad for Euro 2024. One notable omission is midfielder Jordan Henderson, who has been left out due to an injury he sustained in the last camp. Despite his experience and professionalism, Henderson hasn’t been able to reach the required intensity in games since his injury. Southgate acknowledges that Henderson will be missed and describes him as an exceptional individual and a fantastic human being.
Another surprise exclusion from the squad is Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford. Southgate explains that other players in the same position have had better seasons, leading to his decision to leave Rashford out. Although these are difficult calls to make, Southgate believes it’s important to select players who have performed well in their respective positions.
On the other hand, there are players who have been included despite recent injuries. Luke Shaw, Manchester United’s left-back, has been called up despite not featuring in a match since February due to injury. Southgate acknowledges that Shaw is facing an uphill battle to make the final squad but wants to give him more time due to his previous performances as England’s first-choice left-back. Similarly, Chelsea right-back Reece James has been overlooked due to his recent struggles with injuries.
Southgate acknowledges that this selection process has been complicated, with many players dealing with injuries. He emphasizes the importance of making the best possible decisions given the circumstances. The squad currently consists of 11 defenders and 12 forwards, but Southgate plans to reduce the number before the deadline.
One player whose fitness is not in question is Harry Kane. Despite missing Bayern Munich’s final two games of the season with a back injury, Kane is expected to be fully fit for England’s Euros campaign. As the team’s talisman and all-time leading goalscorer, Kane’s presence will be crucial for England’s chances of success.
Speaking about England’s prospects in the tournament, Southgate remains optimistic. He believes that England can “absolutely” win the Euros, given the talent and potential of his squad. However, he also acknowledges that there is a lot of work to be done and that success will require navigating each game strategically.
Southgate has two friendlies to prepare his squad for the competition, with Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iceland as opponents. He hopes to deliver England’s first major men’s trophy since 1966. As for his own future, Southgate’s contract is set to expire in December, and he hasn’t made any concrete plans beyond the tournament. He jokes that if England were to win, he would likely disappear somewhere for six months and sit on a beach before considering his next move.
In conclusion, Southgate’s selection process for the provisional squad has been challenging due to injuries and players’ performances. While some established players have been left out, others with recent injury concerns have been included. Southgate remains positive about England’s chances and is focused on preparing the team for the upcoming tournament.