Gareth Southgate has unveiled a provisional 33-man squad for England ahead of the upcoming European Championships, as the Three Lions aim to end a 58-year drought at Euro 2024.
The tournament in Germany offers England another chance to capture a major trophy, a feat they’ve come close to in recent years.
Following semi-final and quarter-final exits in the last two World Cups and a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final, England will begin their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on June 16. They will then face Denmark and Slovenia in Group C, hoping to progress to the knockout stages.
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With UEFA allowing 26-man squads for the tournament, Southgate’s initial larger group is a precautionary measure due to fitness concerns surrounding several players. Notably, Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton and Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah are surprise inclusions, while Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford and former England captain Jordan Henderson have been omitted.
Uncapped players Jarrad Branthwaite, Curtis Jones, and James Trafford are also part of the preliminary squad.
Key absences include Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, and Reece James, alongside Dominic Solanke, Jadon Sancho, and Ben White. Everton’s Jordan Pickford is set to be the starting goalkeeper, with Dean Henderson, Aaron Ramsdale, and James Trafford competing for the remaining spots.
Injuries have complicated Southgate’s defensive plans, particularly with Luke Shaw’s fitness in doubt despite his inclusion. Midfield sees Wharton and Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo vying for a spot next to Declan Rice, following Henderson’s exclusion and Kalvin Phillips’ dip in form.
Up front, Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins will back up Harry Kane, England’s all-time leading scorer, while wingers Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze, and Anthony Gordon have been preferred over Rashford and Sterling.
Southgate admitted this selection has been one of the toughest during his tenure, citing numerous uncertainties and fitness issues. He emphasized the evolving nature of the team and the integration of new talent for future tournaments.
England’s preparations include friendlies against Bosnia-Herzegovina on June 3 and Iceland on June 7. However, some players might be absent due to club commitments, with Manchester City and Manchester United clashing in the FA Cup final, and Real Madrid’s Jude Bellingham involved in the Champions League final on June 1.
Despite not clinching a major title since the 1966 World Cup, England enter Euro 2024 as pre-tournament favorites, alongside other strong contenders such as France, Germany, Portugal, and Spain. Here are England’s fixtures for the group stage:
- Serbia vs England: June 16, 8 pm, Veltins-Arena
- Denmark vs England: June 20, 5 pm, Deutsche Bank Park
- England vs Slovenia: June 25, 8 pm, RheinEnergieStadion
As the tournament approaches, the anticipation builds for Southgate and his squad to potentially make history in Germany.
