Gareth Southgate explains Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson omissions from Euro 2024 squad
The Manchester United forward and Ajax midfielder missed out, despite Southgate naming an expanded 33-man Three Lions squad for Euro 2024
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gareth Southgate has explained the reasons behind Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson’s ommissions from the England training squad for Euro 2024 after turning to young and in-form players.
Southgate has previously remained loyal to both the midfielder and forward despite struggles at club level.
But after naming a 33-man squad ahead of this summer’s tournament in Germany, Southgate has made the “difficult” decision to cut the experienced pair.
“These are, of course, difficult calls, talking about players who are very good players, who have been an important part of what we’ve done for a number of years,” Southgate explained.
“With Marcus, I just feel other players in that area of the pitch have had better seasons, it’s as simple as that.”
Henderson, who was England vice-captain and who has won 81 caps, and has not missed a major tournament since the 2010 World Cup, has had a difficult season, first joining Al-Ettifaq and then leaving after six months to sign for Ajax.
Southgate added: “[Jordan] Henderson's given himself every chance. The determining factor was the injury he picked up in the last camp.
“He missed five weeks and wasn't able to get back up to the level of intensity. It was a difficult decision.”
While Luke Shaw has made the squad, Southgate concedes it is still a tough ask for the United full-back.
“He is up against it,” Southgate admitted. “He missed a lot of football.
“The fact he’s been our first choice in that position, we’re probably giving him a bit longer. I’ve spoken with him but I have to say he’s a long shot to make the final squad.”
The uncapped Liverpool duo of Jarell Quansah and Curtis Jones are in a 33-man party along with Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who began 2024 as a Championship player with Blackburn.
England training squad for Euro 2024
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, Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Curtis Jones, Kobbie Mainoo, Declan Rice, Adam Wharton.
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, James Maddison, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments