Southgate Crossed Out, England Without Rashford And Henderson At Euro 2024

The forwards Marcus Rashford (11) and Jordan Henderson (8) missed Euro 2024 after being dropped by England manager Gareth Southgate. (X/@England)

JAKARTA - A surprise came from England's squad competing at Euro 2024. Gareth Southgate's manager crossed out Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson of The Three Lions' interim squad.

Southgate announced a temporary squad by calling 33 players. They went through a training camp before leaving for Germany to navigate Euro 2024.

Of the players who got the call, Southgate surprisingly did not include front players Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, and Jordan Henderson, the former Liverpool midfielder who now plays in Ajax Amsterdam.

Not only that, Chelsea players, such as Reece James, Ben Chilwell, and Raheem Sterling are also not on the team. Likewise Bayern Munich defender Eric Dier.

In contrast, Southgate included five new players who had the opportunity to make their debut in the England national team.

Of the 33 players called in, Southgate will cut to 26 in accordance with the number of players at Euro 2024. Southgate made a reduction after the last test match against Iceland, June 7, 2024.

"With the summons of 33 players, it really doesn't match expectations because we want a bigger squad with more young players that we want to monitor," Southgate was quoted as saying by The Sun.

"Some are disappointed (because they are not called), but they can handle it well," he said again.

"Obviously, you need experienced players. However, we think this is the best we have right now," Southgate said.

Rashford's failure to enter the squad remains surprising even though it cannot be separated from the drop in his performance at Manchester United this season. In the last match with The Three Lions against Brazil, March 2024, Rashford was played as a substitute.

At that time, England lost 0-1 and it was Rashford's 57th appearance in the England national team. Meanwhile, Henderson has played 93 times for the Three Lions since 2016. He played 53 times during England handled Southgate.

Henderson played in Saudi Arabia by strengthening Al Ettikaq when he left Liverpool. However, this 33-year-old player then moved to Ajax in January 2024.

He has played 12 times with this Dutch Eredivisie club. However, it still didn't convince Southgate to return to call Henderson.

"He suffered an injury that kept him out for five weeks. This is a decisive thing. Obviously, he is a fantastic professional player. However, it must be admitted that it was difficult to call him. Moreover, he really supports me," said Southgate.

"He is certainly very disappointed. That is certain. He is indeed an extraordinary figure. He is carrying out leadership very well. However, there is no reason if young players cannot lead. Moreover, we have many young players with not a few caps," he said.

England played two test matches before appearing in Germany. They started with a trial against Bosnia-Herzegovina at St James Park, June 3, 2024. Four days later, they faced Iceland.

Southgate troops started the fight at Euro 2024 against Serbia on June 16, 2024. Then they met Denmark and finally fought Slovenia.

England's interim squad

Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), James Trafford (Bournley)

Behind: Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Jarell Quansah (Liverpool), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Central: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Curtis Jones (Liverpool), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Adam Wharton (Crystal Palace)

Front: Jude Bellingham, (Real Madrid), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), James Maddison (Tottenham), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), capang Watkins (Aston Villa)