England’s Euro 2024 Squad Raises Concerns
The highly anticipated England squad for the Euro 2024 tournament has been announced, and it has caused some concern among football enthusiasts. Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate named his final 26-man squad on Thursday, with a few notable omissions that have left former England international Joe Cole worried about the team’s defensive depth.
Maguire’s Absence Raises Eyebrows
One of the biggest surprises was the exclusion of Manchester United defender Harry Maguire, who has failed to recover from a calf injury. Cole admitted that Maguire’s absence, along with the omission of Everton’s Jarrad Braithwaite, “leaves us light in central defence.”
“Harry has been a brilliant player for England, every tournament he turns up. That must have been in Gareth’s mind and he’s wrestling with the fact he’s not played a lot and it’s his call,” Cole said in an interview with talkSPORT.
Surprising Cuts of Premier League Stars
The Three Lions squad also saw the surprising cuts of Premier League stars Jack Grealish and James Maddison, as well as Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, and James Trafford. This decision has sparked discussions among football enthusiasts, with many questioning Southgate’s choices.
A Mix of Experienced and Youthful Talent
Despite the concerns over the defensive options, the England squad features a mix of experienced and youthful talent. Midfield stars Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton have earned their place in the final 26, while attackers Eberechi Eze, Jarrod Bowen, and Newcastle’s Anthony Gordon have also been included.
Southgate has called up three strikers in the form of captain Harry Kane, Ivan Toney, and 19-goal Aston Villa star Ollie Watkins, as the team aims to secure glory at the Euro 2024 tournament.
The Three Lions will face their final tune-up match against Iceland at Wembley on Friday evening, giving Southgate one last opportunity to fine-tune his squad ahead of their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on June 16.
As the countdown to the Euros continues, football enthusiasts eagerly await to see how the England squad will perform on the international stage, with high hopes for a successful campaign.
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