Marcus Rashford Omitted from England’s Euro 2024 Squad
Provisional List Includes Surprises and Star Snubs
England manager Gareth Southgate has announced a provisional 33-man squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament, with a notable absence being Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford.
Rashford’s exclusion is a surprising one, given his impressive form for England in recent years. The 26-year-old has earned 60 caps and scored 17 goals for the Three Lions, including three at the 2022 World Cup.
Rashford’s poor form for Manchester United this season is likely a factor in his omission. The forward has netted only seven Premier League goals in 2023-24, a significant drop from his usual output.
New Faces Join the Fold
Despite the absence of Rashford, Southgate’s squad includes several uncapped players, such as Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton, and Liverpool duo Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah.
The inclusion of these young talents suggests that Southgate is looking to the future and building a squad that can compete at the highest level for years to come.
Other Notable Absences
Experienced midfielder Jordan Henderson is another notable omission from the squad. Henderson, 33, has been a mainstay in Southgate’s plans in recent years, but his form has dipped this season.
Chelsea forward Raheem Sterling, who has 82 caps for England, has also been left out. Sterling has been in excellent form for Chelsea this season, but his recent injury problems may have influenced Southgate’s decision.
Southgate’s Rationale
Southgate said he made “difficult calls” in selecting the squad and that he believes the players he has chosen “give us the best chance of success” at Euro 2024.
“We have a lot of talented players in this country and it was not easy to leave some of them out,” Southgate said.
“But I believe this squad has the right balance of experience and youth, and I am confident that they can go far in the tournament.”
Squad Overview
The full provisional squad for Euro 2024 is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, James Trafford
- Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Harry Maguire, Jarell Quansah, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker
- Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold, Conor Gallagher, Curtis Jones, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice, Adam Wharton
- Forwards: Jude Bellingham, Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, James Maddison, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins
Southgate will reduce the squad to 26 players by the June 7 deadline.
Divya