James Maddison has spoken out for the first time since being cut from England’s Euro 2024 squad.
Tottenham attacker Maddison was included in Gareth Southgate’s provisional 33-man squad and appeared in England 3-0 friendly win against Bosnia & Herzegovina on Monday.
However, on Thursday the 27-year-old left the squad – as did Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones – after being told he will not be included in the final 26-man tournament squad.
According to reports, England’s final 26-man squad for Euro 2024 has been decided – with all seven missing players having been named
Gareth Southgate had to make the difficult decision to reduce his provisional squad by 33 players to meet a deadline set by UEFA on Friday
Earlier on Thursday, it was reported that Tottenham’s James Maddison and Liverpool’s Curtis Jones had both left the England squad after being told they would not be selected
Jack Grealish was later told he would not be selected, while Harry Maguire’s calf injury ruled him out
The full squad has now been reported by the Daily Mail, with Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah the final three players expected to be absent
It means Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton will be one of many England players in his first international tournament, after making his debut in the 3-0 friendly wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina
His Crystal Palace teammates Eberechi Eze, Marc Guehi and Dean Henderson will also be involved, meaning the Eagles are the club most represented in the final squad
Meanwhile, the decision to drop Branthwaite may come as a surprise to many, given his impressive form for Everton this season
But the Toffees’ player of the year did not play any friendlies against Brazil or Belgium in March
He featured for 29 minutes against Bosnia and Herzegovina earlier this week to make his first start – but Brighton defender Lewis Dunk, expected to be in the final squad, has been selected to Start the match with him
Elsewhere, Southgate is expected to take three strikers to Germany, with Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins selected alongside captain and record goalscorer Harry Kane
Southgate will hold a press conference at St George’s Park to confirm his squad at around 5
30pm on Thursday, with midfielder Declan Rice in attendance
