England boss Gareth Southgate has opened up on his decision to leave Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson out of his squad for Euro 2024 this summer.
The Three Lions named a provisional squad on Tuesday as they look to end 58 years of hurt when the tournament commences in Germany next month.
Henderson and Rashford have been regulars in England squads of previous years.
However, the duo have now been snubbed by Southgate after failing to set the world alight for Ajax and Manchester United respectively this term.
England boss Gareth Southgate has opened up on his decision to snub Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson for Euro 2024 this summer
PA
Southgate held a press conference on Tuesday where he shed light on his decisions.
When asked about Rashford, the England boss said he left the United star out because other players had performed better for their clubs.
"These are of course difficult calls," he said.
"You are talking about players that are very important players.
"With Marcus, in that area of the pitch, I feel that other players have had better seasons, it’s as simple as that."
Regarding Henderson, Southgate says an injury picked up by the Ajax star in the last international break has been a factor in his thought process.
"The 33 isn’t quite a fair definition because we’re taking a longer squad with some younger players to look at," he said.
"Hendo has given himself every chance.
"From the last camp, he missed five weeks through injury and he hasn’t been able to get to that tempo since then.
"It’s a big call to make, the three players from last time, he, Ben (White) and Marcus (Rashford) all had excellent professionalism."
He continued: "[Jordan Henderson] will be a miss.
"He's an exceptional individual and fantastic human being. He's been in that leadership role for a long time.
"We've got young players with a lot of caps. There's no reason why young players can't lead."
Southgate did admit, however, that he found it tricky deciding on who to include.
"Everyone has a chance, there’s definitely some players we wanted to see," he stated.
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England duo Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson won't be playing at Euro 2024 this summer
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"We were in a similar position in the last Euros, more time may allow us to make better decisions and a more balanced squad.
"Some injuries, we don’t have all of the information.
"This has been as complicated a group as I can remember making.
"There are better decisions to make. Sometimes time doesn’t help you make a decision."
And the former Middlesbrough boss is adamant England CAN win the Euros this summer, 58 years on from their victory over Germany in the final of the 1966 World Cup.
England boss Gareth Southgate is confident the Three Lions CAN win Euro 2024 this summer
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"There's no doubt what's possible. The team have been very close before so they know what's possible," he admitted.
"You've got to do it game by game."
