Southgate still has some big decisions to make (Picture: Getty)
Gareth Southgate has named his provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024 this summer – but seven of those names will not be on the plane to Germany next month.
The England boss still has some huge decisions to make with a number of injury and fitness issues to be assessed in the coming days and weeks.
Southgate has until Friday 7 June to name his final 26-man squad. With Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson, Reece James and Ben Chilwell already among the notable absentees, Metro considers the players who are at risk of not making the final cut next month.
James Trafford
Trafford was named alongside Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale and Dean Henderson in goal with the Burnley shot stopper the most likely option to miss out. Uncapped at senior level, the 21-year-old began the season as Vincent Kompany’s firm first choice in goal but was dropped from the starting XI in mid-March with Arijanet Muric taking his place in the side.
Luke Shaw
The Manchester United full-back has endured an injury-hit season with muscle injuries limiting him to just 15 starting appearances. Shaw has been ruled out since mid-February and suffered a setback in his bid to return before the end of the season earlier this month with Sunday’s FA Cup final against Manchester City looking unlikely.
Shaw has not played any football since February (Picture: Getty)
While England’s firm first-choice, Southgate admits his inclusion in the final squad is very unlikely.
‘He missed a lot football,’ Southgate said. ‘The fact he’s been our first choice in that position, we’re probably giving him a bit longer. I’ve spoken with him but I have to say he’s a long shot.’
Lewis Dunk and Jarell Quansah
It is in defence where perhaps England have the biggest question marks. Harry Maguire and John Stones are almost certain to be first-choice with Jarrad Branthwaite fully deserving of his call-up after a wonderful season at Everton.
With a shortage of full-backs, Joe Gomez and Ezri Konsa offer versatility, leaving three options at centre-half. Marc Guehi will feel he has proved his fitness after a knee problem this season, featuring in Palace’s final three games of the season. If Southgate feels the same, it may be Dunk and Quansah who miss out.
Adam Wharton
The 20-year-old will be viewed as a wildcard option after his excellent start to the year after joining Crystal Palace from Blackburn. Wharton’s passing and positioning in that midfield role have caught the eye of Southgate in an area of the pitch where England have so often struggled.
But having only made his England Under-21 debut in March, a spot in the 2026 World Cup squad is perhaps a more likely scenario.
Wharton showing his class but this summer may be too soon (Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Curtis Jones and James Maddison
In a crowded field of outstanding attacking options, someone has got to go. Maddison, who made the last World Cup squad without making a single appearance, enjoyed a wonderful start to the season at Tottenham but struggled to recapture that form after his ankle injury.
Brighter performances against Burnley and Sheffield United marked an encouraging end to the season but it may have been too little, too late. While offering an option in a number of different roles, Jones is only getting his first call-up to the squad.
Jack Grealish
Grealish played an important role in City’s treble-winning season last year but has seen first-team chances dry up this term with just 20 Premier League appearances. The 28-year-old has been part of Southgate’s plans since his debut in 2020 but the emergence of Anthony Gordon could pose a real threat to him making the final squad.
Grealish has struggled for game time at City this season (Picture: EPA)
Ivan Toney
Does Gareth Southgate need two strikers to serve as back-up for Harry Kane? The Bayern Munich star will unquestionably start every game with an abundance of goals and versatility in behind him.
In a straight shoot out for that final spot, Toney may have emerged with his stock slightly higher following March’s international games but Watkins’ incredible season at Villa cannot be overlooked.