Six key talking points as Gareth Southgate makes big calls in England’s squad for Euro 2024

As the Premier League season concludes, the anticipation for Euro 2024 builds with national squads being announced.

Gareth Southgate has unveiled a provisional 33-player England squad, which will be trimmed to 26 by June 7 for the trip to Germany.

Here are the major talking points from Southgate’s selection.

1. Marcus Rashford Misses Out

In a surprising move, Marcus Rashford has been omitted from Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad.

The 26-year-old Manchester United forward has had a challenging season, scoring just seven goals and providing two assists in 33 league appearances.

His form and fitness issues have resulted in his exclusion, despite having 60 caps and 17 goals for England since his debut in 2016.

2. Reece James Not Included

Chelsea right-back Reece James also misses out on the provisional squad. James has had an injury-plagued season, managing only five Premier League starts and receiving two red cards.

His absence raises questions about Southgate’s options at right-back, a position where James was expected to be a key player if fit.

3. Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah Gets Call-Up

Liverpool centre-back Jarell Quansah is a surprising inclusion in the squad. The 21-year-old has never played for the senior team but has impressed in his 17 appearances for Liverpool this season.

Quansah’s rapid rise from youth levels to the senior squad reflects Southgate’s willingness to integrate in-form young players, challenging the notion that he is overly cautious.

4. Ben Chilwell Left Out

Ben Chilwell’s exclusion is another significant decision by Southgate. The Chelsea left-back has had a tumultuous few years with injuries, missing Euro 2020 due to COVID-19 isolation and the World Cup in Qatar with a separate injury.

Chilwell’s recent fitness issues have again sidelined him, despite hopes he would recover in time for Euro 2024.

5. Kobbie Mainoo Makes the Squad

Manchester United’s 18-year-old midfielder Kobbie Mainoo has been named in the provisional squad.

Mainoo has had a breakout season, starting 24 Premier League matches and scoring three goals.

His inclusion underscores Southgate’s commitment to giving young talents a chance on the big stage, having already featured for England in friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.

6. Jordan Henderson Not Selected

Veteran midfielder Jordan Henderson has not been included in the squad. Henderson moved to Ajax in January to seek more playing time but has only managed nine appearances as Ajax finished fifth in the Eredivisie.

The 33-year-old has been a mainstay for England in the last six major tournaments, making his exclusion a notable shift in Southgate’s approach.

England’s provisional squad for Euro 2024:

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), James Trafford (Burnley).

Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), John Stones (Man City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Man City).

Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Kobbie Mainoo (Man Utd), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace).

Forwards: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Man City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), James Maddison (Tottenham), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).