Maddison and Jones Excluded from England's Final Euro 2024

James Maddison and Curtis Jones, initially included in England’s 33-player provisional squad for Euro 2024, have not been selected for the final 26-man team. Maddison, who played 30 minutes in England’s 3-0 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday, has now left the Three Lions camp. Meanwhile, Jones, who has yet to earn an England cap, is also not expected to feature in Friday’s friendly against Iceland.

Gareth Southgate, England’s manager, must finalize his squad by trimming down the preliminary list to 26 players by 11 pm on Friday, shortly after England’s last Euro 2024 warm-up match against Iceland at Wembley.

Maddison’s Ongoing Wait for a Major Tournament Appearance with England

Maddison’s wait for a major tournament appearance with England continues. The Tottenham midfielder was part of the final 2022 World Cup squad but didn’t get any playing time before the Three Lions’ quarter-final exit.

Meanwhile, Jones has yet to earn his first cap for England.

Maddison’s absence from the squad suggests that Jack Grealish is likely to be included. Both players are considered straight left-wingers, with Maddison unable to play as a No 10 due to competition from Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, and now Eberechi Eze.

“Both are very similar players in that they attack defenders and win free-kicks. This is a case of bad news for Maddison, good news for Grealish,” an analyst commented.

“It’s devastating for Maddison. I know how much he wants to play for England and how committed he is. Just look at what happened in Qatar in 2022. There was a huge clamour for him as he was playing exceptionally well. Southgate took him, but he picked up an injury and never really shook it off.

“He didn’t play a minute in the World Cup but was a fantastic influence around the camp. His big smile was evident every day during the England camp. Southgate values that, but Maddison hasn’t been playing well enough for Spurs to command a place in what is the most competitive position in the England squad.”

Maddison’s Decline: From Premier League Star to England Squad Omission

With three goals and five assists in his first nine Premier League games for Tottenham, Maddison was on track for Player of the Season and a spot in the England Euros squad.

He was a certainty nine months ago, but now he is the first to be omitted from this extended England group.

This is no surprise. His form has dropped off since that brilliant start for Spurs this season. The only Premier League goal contributions he made since March 10 came against Burnley and Sheffield United, and he was not given a starting role in a makeshift England line-up against Bosnia.

Maddison’s Decline and Southgate’s New Favorites

A three-month injury in the middle of the season halted his progress, and his form has not recovered since. This highlights a growing pattern in Maddison’s seasons. Over the last five campaigns, he has started strongly only to tail off later. This inconsistency is not ideal for a player hoping to secure a spot in summer tournaments for his country.

Perhaps the performances of Eze and Cole Palmer against Bosnia influenced Southgate’s decision. Both players, who are attacking and wide-midfielder hybrids, impressed in the friendly and may have moved above Maddison in the pecking order.

With world-class options like Bellingham and Foden also available, Maddison, who was a last-minute addition to the 2022 World Cup squad, is now the first to be cut from the Euros squad.

Southgate’s Pragmatic Squad Decisions for Iceland Match

Southgate is taking a pragmatic approach by informing the players who won’t be involved against Iceland well in advance. Players not required for the match are being notified now, while those who might be needed in case of injuries will receive their announcements on Saturday morning.

Curtis Jones, despite being a surprise inclusion in the training squad, will not feature against Iceland. Harvey Elliott’s greater playtime in the final stages of the season made his selection over Jones more likely. However, Southgate admires Jones and considers him an important player for the future. He has previously indicated that Jones was under consideration for the spring internationals, provided he was fit.

“My understanding is Jones was told at the same time as Maddison, who has left the camp – he won’t be involved against Iceland.”