A UEFA ‘loophole’ could see the likes of Jack Grealish and James Maddison called up by England for Euro 2024.
Gareth Southgate made some ruthless decisions as he named his 26-man squad for this summer’s tournament in Germany.
Crystal Palace duo Eberechi Eze and Adam Wharton were included while Manchester City’s Grealish and Tottenham’s Maddison were left out
But while Southgate has confirmed his players for Euro 2024, he can still make changes to his squad in extraordinary circumstances, paving the way for Grealish and Maddison, among others.
This relates to Article 48 of UEFA’s official tournament regulations, which specifically references squad selections.
The regulations state that players can be replaced if they ‘become seriously injured or ill’ – but only if the team doctor and a UEFA Medical Committee member confirm that the problem is ‘sufficiently serious to prevent them from taking part’ in Euro 2024.
So, players who have been told by the 53-year-old that they are not travelling to Germany could still be a part of the England squad in the event of a serious injury or illness to one of the final squad members.
Jack Grealish and James Maddison in England training. Image: Getty
However, a call up for Grealish in such scenario appears unlikely as the 28-year-old has jetted out to Dubai for a well-earned trip.
But if Southgate needed him, then he could cut short his holiday to link up with the national team – like Ian Maatsen, who is set to replace Frenkie de Jong in the Netherlands’ squad.
The Blues forward made 36 appearances across all competitions for Man City last season.
As for Maddison, he played 30 games in all competitions for Spurs in an injury-hit campaign.
England begin their campaign on Sunday when they face Serbia.
The Three Lions then take on Denmark on June 20 before meeting Slovenia on June 25
Jack Grealish’s reaction to being cut from Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man England squad for Euro 2024 has emerged.
To the surprise of many, Grealish was one of seven players to be cut from Southgate’s provisional squad, just days after featuring in their friendly clash against Bosnia.
The 26-year-old winger, who was recently backed by Pep Guardiola to return to form, registered three goals in 36 appearances for the Premier League champions this season.
It was a far-from-perfect campaign for Grealish, but many expected him to feature for the Three Lions.
In fact, the former Aston Villa man was “caught off-guard” by his omission, according to The Athletic, who claim he expected to continue with the squad ahead of their clash against Iceland on Friday.
Southgate is believed to have spoken to Grealish shortly after training on Thursday.
The report goes on to mention there being “a lot of admiration” for Grealish’s talent within the England squad, with teammates having “great affection” for his personality.
According to The Telegraph, some of Grealish’s team-mates visited his room to console him.
It is even claimed that one player spoke with Southgate in the aftermath – but only to understand his reasoning and to explain the situation to others. It is added that there were ‘no rows or confrontation’ within the camp.
The report adds that Grealish ‘handled his exit from the England camp professionally, and wished the squad and staff well for the tournament’.
Image credit: Getty
The day before Grealish was informed about his omission, James Maddison was also told he would not feature at Euro 2024.
Maddison released a statement following the news, saying he was “devastated” by the decision. “I still thought there would be a space for me in a 26 man squad as I feel I bring something different,” he added.
Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones was also cut from the 33-man preliminary alongside Jarell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite, Harry Maguire and James Trafford.
The squad in full:
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), 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).
Image credit: Getty
