Gareth Southgate officially named his squad for Euro 2024 on Thursday afternoon and there were some notable names left out, with the England manager explaining his reasons and why he had to take a ‘gamble’ on one player.
Releasing the final 26-man team earlier than planned after premature reports of Harry Maguire and Jack Grealish being cut proved to be true, the Manchester duo were among a number of key exclusions along with Marcus Rashford, James Maddison, Jadon Sancho and others.
Southgate told BBC Radio 5 Live that the early release of the squad was because he simply “didn’t want to keep the players waiting until Friday”, adding it “would have been a mess” and “wouldn’t have been fair” on those not
Speaking in a press conference immediately after the announcement, the 53-year-old praised all of the players involved for taking the news “really respectfully” and went on to detail why some of the bigger names, in particular, weren’t retained.
"There have been tough calls… We back our decisions."
While the decision to leave Maguire out was much simpler given his ongoing injury issues, having suffered with a recurring calf problem for months, the Three Lions boss went on to admit that it was tough to leave out players and that deliberations amongst his staff have been happening for weeks.
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“Of course, players believe they should be in, and that’s why they are top players”, said Southgate. “They have self-belief and that mindset.
“But the fact is we have players who have been playing extremely well all season in the league, and we just feel other players have had stronger seasons, particularly in the last six months or so.” The likes of Cole Palmer, Jarrod Bowen, Eberechi Eze and Kobbie Mainoo have all shone over the past year and managed to break into the national team.
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Detailing that Jarell Quansah has been put on standby despite being dropped from the final England squad given the depleted numbers in defence, he did confess that taking Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw was the “one gamble” he felt comfortable taking, assuring that he’s hitting fitness goals.
The reaction to the final Euros squad has been pretty mixed, with many criticising him for leaving out potential game-changers like Grealish and also for using up two places on a pair of backup strikers in Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney despite it being unlikely either will play.
However, as many have noted online, Southgate has long been bemoaned for picking players based on loyalty rather than form and despite seemingly having gone the other way this time, he is still facing criticism from the fans for finally taking that approach.
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What about you – do you agree with the England squad Southgate has picked for Euro 2024?
You can watch his press conference along with the captain for the Iceland game, Declan Rice, in full down below:
Manchester United set to release two classic remake kits, including a ‘blackout’ shirt
Danny Jones
Manchester United are reportedly planning to release not just one, but another two classic remake kits, based on one of their most recognisable shirts of all time.
As many other teams have done for special anniversaries and limited edition strips, one of them is set to be a ‘blackout’ version of the iconic design, too.
Having already dropped a re-release of the 1990-92 ‘snowflake’ away kit this past April, along with various other bits of lifestyle/casualwear, the success of their retro range needs no explanation.
With that in mind, supporters who remember the initial Adidas era, football fashionistas and collectors alike will no doubt be clamouring to get their hands on either or both of these shirts.
The right-hand side is an educated prediction by the outlet. (Credit: Footy Headlines)
Based on the same adidas Originals template initially used for the 1986-88- home kit, according to the ever-reliable Footy Headlines, a similar faithful recreation is scheduled to go on sale later this year.
We’ve already heard rumblings of a Man United fourth kit expected to be added to their rotation for the upcoming campaign, but this is thought to be separate from the match-worn 2026/27 alternate.
As you can see, the rumoured ’86 remake by United will mark 30 years since the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson first took charge of the club, before going on to spend the best of three decades there himself.
Featuring the traditional ‘adi trefoil’ logo and the famous Sharp Electronics sponsor on the front, as well as the sublimated old school pattern – just as seen with the aforementioned modern edition of the ’90-92 jersey – the second version will be exactly the same, only, you guessed it: all black.
With the INEOS ownership group clearly looking to double down on nostalgia and the improving mood around the ‘Theatre of Dreams’ now that they’re back in the Champions League, revenues already look to be on the rise.
Ruben Amorim famously turned this down – but not Michael Carrick…
The retro range has become just the latest of several new money spinners for the Red Devils as they look to get their finances back on track, as well as their performances on the pitch.
This summer transfer window is also now open, and with one deal already said to be done and at least a couple more in the pipeline, the income from merchandising will no doubt help to fund at least part of their various lots of these deals this year.
It isn’t just new players they have to pay for either, as it’s also costing them north of £1 million to returf the pitch inside the ground – and they still have the prospect of a new stadium to replace Old Trafford, let’s not forget.
Popular Manchester attraction offering FREE entry to anyone who shares a name with these England players
Emily Sergeant
A popular Manchester attraction is offering people the chance to visit for free this summer… but only if they have certain names.
That’s right – Museum of Illusions is giving football fans an extra reason to celebrate every goal this summer, as the city centre attraction is offering free entry to anyone whose first name matches that of a Three Lions player that scores in an England fixture.
So if Harry Kane scores, all Harrys are in. If Jude Bellingham gets on the scoresheet, Judes can claim a free ticket. The same goes for Anthony, Ollie, or any other England player who bags a goal as the tournament foes on, meaning thousands more fans will be able to have their minds blown and let their imaginations run wild this summer.
The offer will run from tomorrow (Thursday 18 June) until 18 July – with the list of eligible names growing every time an England player finds the back of the net.
To claim their free ticket, visitors simply need to show valid photo ID at the admissions desk confirming their first name matches that of a confirmed England goalscorer.
Located on Market Street at the heart of the city centre, Museum of Illusions features more than 50 interactive exhibits designed to challenge perception and trick the senses.
Proving to be hugely popular since opening its doors back in 2024, visitors to Museum of Illusions can explore gravity-defying rooms, optical illusions, immersive installations, and holograms that create unforgettable photo opportunities for families and friends (and football fans) alike.
Free entry to Museum of Illusions in Manchester will be granted until 18 July 2026, and you can find out more info and opening times before you visit here.
Danny Jones -
7th June 2024 
