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5 biggest snubs from England Euro 2024 roster

Originally posted on Soccer on ClutchPoints
By Fremont Farkas | Last updated Jun 7, 2024 9:36 AM ET

Gareth Southgate has officially announced the 26 players who will represent England at Euro 2024 in Germany. As always, the selection process leaves room for debate, and this year is no different. Despite England being one of the favorites to lift the trophy, several high-profile players were surprisingly left out. Let’s take a closer look at the five biggest snubs from Southgate’s Euro 2024 roster.

Raheem Sterling (Chelsea)

Raheem Sterling was instrumental in England’s run to the Euro 2021 final. Back then, if someone had suggested he wouldn’t even make the preliminary squad for Euro 2024, it would have seemed unbelievable. However, Sterling has struggled at Chelsea over the past two seasons, failing to replicate his previous form. These struggles left Southgate with little choice but to exclude one of his previously trusted players. Sterling’s absence is a significant surprise, given his past contributions and experience.

Jadon Sancho (Manchester United)

Jadon Sancho’s omission might not shock everyone, considering his recent ups and downs. Earlier this year, his future at Manchester United seemed uncertain as he faced exclusion from the squad. A mid-season move back to Borussia Dortmund revitalized him, especially with notable performances in the latter stages of the Champions League. Despite this resurgence, it wasn’t enough to earn him a spot on Southgate’s roster. Sancho’s journey highlights the competitive nature of England’s squad selection.

Marcus Rashford (Manchester United)

Marcus Rashford’s situation is a dramatic reversal of fortunes. Just a year ago, he was riding high with over 30 goals for Manchester United and a strong World Cup performance for England. However, the 2023-24 season saw a significant dip in form, with Rashford managing only eight goals in all competitions. This decline has seen him fall out of favor at the international level. Rashford might need a fresh start, potentially with a summer transfer, to regain his standing in the national team.

Jack Grealish (Manchester City)

Manchester City midfielder Jack Grealish (10) fights for the ball against FC Bayern Munich during the exhibition match on Saturday, July 23, 2022 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay Samantha Madar/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK

Jack Grealish’s exclusion from the Euro 2024 squad caught many off guard, including some of his England teammates. Reports indicate that at least one player questioned Southgate about Grealish’s absence. Despite his undeniable talent, Grealish’s form this season was inconsistent, and he struggled with injuries. These factors contributed to Southgate’s tough decision to leave him out, even though his creativity and flair are assets to any team.

Mason Mount (Manchester United)

Mason Mount’s fall from grace is one of the most striking. Between 2020 and 2022, Mount was one of the Premier League’s top young midfielders and a favorite of Southgate’s. However, a disappointing final season at Chelsea followed by an injury-hit debut season at Manchester United has seen him lose his spot. Mount hasn’t made an international appearance in nearly two years, highlighting his recent struggles.

Honorable Mentions

Several other notable players also missed out on the squad. James Maddison, Harvey Elliott, Jarrell Quansah, and Harry Maguire are among those who will be watching from home. Each of these players has shown moments of brilliance but, for various reasons, did not make Southgate’s final cut.

The depth of England’s talent pool means that some excellent players are always going to be left out. This year’s Euro 2024 squad selection has certainly raised eyebrows with some surprising omissions. Whether due to poor form, injuries, or simply being overlooked, players like Sterling, Sancho, Rashford, Grealish, and Mount will have to watch from the sidelines. Southgate’s decisions reflect the tough choices managers must make when aiming for glory on the international stage. As the tournament unfolds, only time will tell if these snubs will impact England’s quest for European glory.

This article first appeared on Soccer on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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