James Trafford and Others Axed from England’s Euro 2024 Squad

In a surprising move, James Trafford has been cut from Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad. The Burnley goalkeeper joins a list of notable players, including James Maddison, Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire, and Jarrad Branthwaite, who will not be traveling to Germany.

Despite Trafford’s initial inclusion in the training squad, his exclusion means that Jordan Pickford, Dean Henderson, and Aaron Ramsdale will be the goalkeepers aiming for glory this summer. Maddison and Jones, who recently left the England camp, expressed their disappointment but acknowledged their form had influenced Southgate’s decision.

The selection process involved a 33-man training group, with final cuts made just before the announcement of the 26-man squad. Maddison and Jones had participated in the recent 3-0 friendly win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but both were informed they would not make the final roster.

James Maddison, who was part of the 2022 World Cup squad but did not play, shared his disappointment on social media, admitting that his recent performances for Tottenham Hotspur might not have met expectations. He expressed his belief in his unique contributions and vowed to return stronger, wishing his teammates success in the tournament.

The Football Association released a statement thanking Maddison and Jones for their efforts during the pre-tournament preparations. This reshuffling highlights the tough choices Southgate faces as he aims to field a squad capable of competing for the championship.

As the final squad submission deadline approaches, players like Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon, who missed the Bosnia match due to injury, will be pivotal. Meanwhile, seasoned players such as Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, and Lewis Dunk continue individual training programs to ensure their readiness.

England’s final squad announcement is eagerly anticipated, with the team aiming to bring home the trophy from Germany. Fans and analysts will be closely watching Southgate’s choices, hoping they lead to success in Euro 2024.