A UEFA ‘loophole’ could see Jack Grealish and James Maddison called up by England for Euro 2024
Gareth Southgate made ruthless decisions when naming a 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament in Germany
Crystal Palace duo Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton are included while Manchester City’s Grealish and Tottenham’s Maddison are left out
But although Southgate has already confirmed players for Euro 2024, he could still make changes to his squad in exceptional circumstances, paving the way for Grealish and Maddison, among others
This refers to Article 48 of the official UEFA competition regulations, which specifically refers to team selection
Regulations state that players can be replaced if they are “seriously injured or ill” – but only if the team doctor and UEFA medical committee member confirm that the problem is “serious enough to making them unable to participate” Euro 2024 So the players who the 53-year-old said they will not go to Germany could still be in the England squad in case one of the last members of the squad suffer serious injury or illness
However, calling up Grealish in such a situation seems unlikely as the 28-year-old has flown to Dubai for a well-deserved trip
But if Southgate needs him, he could cut his break short to join the national team – just like Ian Maatsen, who is tipped to replace Frenkie de Jong in the Netherlands squad
The Blues striker made 36 appearances in all competitions for Man City last season
As for Maddison, he has made 30 appearances in all competitions for Spurs in an injury-plagued season
England begin their campaign on Sunday against Serbia
The Three Lions will face Denmark on June 20 before taking on Slovenia on June 25
