Photo: Getty Images

As the anticipation builds for Euro 2024, England's squad decisions are causing quite a stir. James Maddison's exclusion from the 26-man squad has already set the stage for further cuts, and the bookies are buzzing with predictions.

Maddison's Surprise Exclusion

The news broke on Wednesday that James Maddison, despite his recent form, will not be part of Gareth Southgate's final squad. The Spurs star, who made seven senior appearances for England and featured in the World Cup squad in Qatar, was the first of seven players to be dropped. Maddison's absence is a significant talking point, especially after his contribution in England's 3-0 friendly victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Who's Next on the Chopping Block?

According to a consensus of bookies, Jarrod Bowen, Ivan Toney, Lewis Dunk, Curtis Jones, James Trafford, and Jarell Quansah are likely to follow Maddison out of the squad. While Bowen and Dunk featured in Monday's match, others like Toney, Jones, Trafford, and Quansah could still showcase their skills in the upcoming friendly against Iceland on Friday.

Southgate's Dilemma

Gareth Southgate faces a challenging task of finalizing his squad. He emphasized the importance of making fair and right decisions:

"We understand the significance for all of the players so we're giving it the respect and attention it deserves to make fair, right decisions. Of course, it's always going to be subjective."

Southgate's approach isn't just about selecting the best individuals but also ensuring the right positional balance. The England boss highlighted the complexity of managing game time and performance:

"Some players needed the game, they needed the minutes and they need the minutes again on Friday. That's why we brought Harry Kane on. He needed some match time today and then to back that up."

Injury Concerns and Final Selections

Among the players battling to be fit is Manchester United's Luke Shaw. The left-back returned to training on Wednesday after a long injury lay-off, and his inclusion could be crucial, given England's limited options on the left side. The final 26-man squad will be announced on Saturday, just a day after the friendly against Iceland, with the deadline for submission to UEFA set for 11pm on Friday.

What's Next for the Three Lions?

As England prepares for Euro 2024, the final squad announcement will be a pivotal moment. Southgate's decisions will not only shape the team's prospects but also set the tone for their performance in the tournament. With the stakes high and the competition fierce, the coming days will be crucial for the Three Lions.

Editor: Emiliia Morozova