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Southgate (Image: Getty)
England’s preparations for Euro 2024 well and truly get underway tonight with Gareth Southgate’s side playing Bosnia at St James’ Park. It’s the first of two important warm up games for the Three Lions before travelling to Germany, with the final chance for players to impress coming this Friday against Iceland at Wembley.
Last month, Southgate announced his provisional 33-man squad for the tournament, but that will soon be cut to just 26.
And there have already been some notable omissions, with the likes of Jordan Henderson, Raheem Sterling, and Marcus Rashford all missing out having previously been considered mainstays for their county.
The Three Lions are among the favourites to win this summer's Euro 2024 tournament and you can get your hands on the brand new Nike home and away kits before the first whistle.
Who will feature against Bosnia and Iceland?
While Southgate is expected to give an opportunity to a number of fringe players this week, England will be without six key players for the Bosnia clash at least. Manchester United's Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw are nursing injuries, and are also expected to be absent for the visit of Iceland in four days’ time.
Manchester City’s John Stones definitely won’t feature in the match in Newcastle having joined the squad late, and Anthony Gordon won’t play in front of his home crowd having not yet recovered from injury. Arsenal forward Bukayo Saka is being rested after his draining exploits for the Gunners in the 2023/24 season.
Another player being given time off this week is Jude Bellingham. After playing in Real Madrid’s Champions League final win at Wembley on Saturday, Southgate has allowed the 20-year-old to rest and already revealed he won’t be considering him for selection this week.
Jude Bellingham has been given time off by Gareth Southgate after the Champions League final. (Image: Getty)
When will the England squad be confirmed?
UEFA have set a deadline of June 7 (Friday) for countries competing in Euro 2024 to confirm their squads. However, the FA have confirmed that England's official 26-man squad will not be formally announced until Saturday, June 8, following the Iceland game.
It means that Southgate’s selection for that clash is likely to provide some huge hints on who will and won’t be on the plane to Germany. He is also likely to manage the game time of those involved carefully to avoid injury blows, with captain Harry Kane one player expected to be used sparingly following his recent back problem.
Which players will be sweating on their place?
England have named four goalkeepers in their provisional squad, but it’s almost certain that only three will fly out to Germany. The uncapped James Trafford looks set to miss out with the places of Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, and Dean Henderson looking safe.
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Having missed most of the season with injury, Luke Shaw will wait nervously as to whether Southgate will gamble on his fitness. Fellow defenders Jarrell Quansah and Ezra Konsa have also been touted to be cut.
Another uncapped player in Adam Wharton is also expected to be left at home, while the form and fitness struggles of Jack Grealish in the 2023/24 season has led to doubts about his inclusion. Southgate is also likely to leave out one of his striking options, with the places of Jarrod Bowen and Ivan Toney both looking precarious.
