The England Euro 2024 squad cuts Gareth Southgate must make - including Aston Villa & Spurs stars

The first steps towards England’s latest attempts to win a men’s European Championships have been taken after Gareth Southgate selected an initial 33-man training squad ahead of the summer tournament.

There were some surprises as Southgate stalwarts Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson miss out along with Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell. There were call-ups for the likes of Crystal Palace youngster Adam Wharton, Liverpool prospect Jarell Quansah and Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford as the young trio look to force their way into the final squad that will be on the plane to Germany. There are some big calls for Southgate to make and he will assess his options in training and in pre-tournament friendly meetings with Bosnia & Herzegovina at Newcastle United’s St. James’ Park and Iceland at Wembley in the first week of June. The latter of those fixtures comes just 24 hours before Southgate must whittle down his ranks to a 26-man squad that will carry the hopes and dreams of the nation.

With just over two weeks to go until that point is reached, 3AddedMinutes have asked our writers to pick their squad to head to Germany and explain their reasons behind the decision to leave each player out of their 26-man squad. First up to pick his squad is Mark Carruthers:

OUT: James Trafford (Burnley)

This feels like possibly the easiest selection for a player missing out but only because of England’s lack of options in goal. For what it’s worth, I don’t believe the mistakes Trafford has made during a challenging season with Burnley are a true reflection of his ability and I do think the youngster will go on to become a regular feature of England squads in the future. However, for this squad, it is a case of going with three experienced options and three that will be ready to play if required.

OUT: Joe Gomez (Liverpool)

Now it gets a little bit more difficult and Gomez has a number of factors working in his favour. The Liverpool man has enjoyed a productive season whenever he has been called upon by Jurgen Klopp and he has featured in a number of positions, which would be useful for Southgate at the tournament. I will say he would be the player I would call up if Luke Shaw is unable to feature in Germany - but for this initial selection, he just misses out.

OUT: Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa)

Another tough one. I really like Konsa and I think he has enjoyed a fantastic season with Villa as they qualified for the Champions League. I don’t really think he did his chances any harm when he made his first senior appearances for England earlier this season but at the moment, I just feel there are better options available for Southgate - although I will say I would not be shocked if he does make the 26-man squad.

OUT: Jarell Quansah (Liverpool)

Now, first and foremost, I think I have to say I think Quansah will be an England defender for a long time to come and his performances during the early months of his introduction to life in the Premier League have been remarkable to say the least. At this point, I just feel this may be a tournament too early for the Liverpool youngster - but there is absolutely no doubting his ability and he will have a big part to play at club level next season as Arne Slot settles into life at Anfield.

OUT: Jack Grealish (Manchester City)

This is the one area where I don’t envy Southgate at all and it comes to his selection in his three attacking midfield positions. A whole host of players in the training squad have hit serious form ahead of the tournament and that is why, as much as it pains me, I think Grealish should miss out. The likes of Gordon, Eze, Palmer, Bowen and Foden have all enjoyed stellar seasons with their clubs and that just edges them ahead of Grealish.

OUT: James Maddison (Tottenham Hotspur)

It would be very easy to say exactly the same as Grealish here because I think they are both in similar situations. I am actually a big fan of Maddison and I love him as a player both in terms of attitude and ability - but at the moment I think there are players in better form that should probably edge him out of contention. He will be back though.

OUT: Curtis Jones (Liverpool)

Another player I really admire - although part of me wonders if it was a straight shootout between Jones and Liverpool team-mate Harvey Elliott for a place in the initial squad. Again it was a close call with Jones but I just like the idea of integrating Adam Wharton into the squad because I think the Crystal Palace midfielder could have a key role to play with England over their long-term future.

Mark Carruthers England Euro 2024 Finals squad

Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

Forwards: Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea),  Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)