England’s Aaron Rai shares the lead at the halfway stage of the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic with countryman Harry Hall just a shot further back.
Rai – who topped the leaderboard going into the final round of last week’s Rocket Mortgage Classic before eventually finishing in a tie for second behind Cameron Davis – shot a bogey-free, eight-under 63 in Illinois on Friday to rise to 14 under for the event.
CT Pan matched Rai’s efforts on the day – the Taiwanese player’s blemish-free round featured a 100-foot chip for eagle at the 14th – and he is locked with the Englishman at the head of the field.
Image: England’s Harry Hall registered five birdies on a blemish-free Friday
The pair are one stroke clear of Hall, who shot a five-under 66, and two better off than a group of six players on 12 under, including Hayden Springer and Sungjae Im.
Springer carded a 59 in his opening round but had to settle for an even-par 71 a day later as he missed a three-foot par putt and also carded a double-bogey late on at TPC Deere Run.
He said: “It wasn’t too bad. It was a little windier today, probably played a little tougher.
“I kind of hit some bumps on the back nine but more just mental errors and not making those short putts than anything else.”
The best of Hayden Springer’s first round at the John Deere Classic, as the American shot only the 14th sub-60 round in PGA Tour history
Rai continues fine form
Rai, Hall and Springer are each looking to land their first PGA Tour titles, although Rai has won twice on the DP World Tour, including at the 2020 Scottish Open when he beat Tommy Fleetwood in a play-off.
Rai said: “I’ve been playing well tee-to-green for large parts of this season and that’s kind of continued over the last few weeks.
Image: England’s Aaron Rai shot an eight-under 68 in the second round of the John Deere Classic
“A couple of weeks ago I spent quite a while on the green. My dad gave me a couple of tips.
“I’ve started working with John Graham as well, a putting coach who is based out here. Putting all that together has definitely translated onto the course.”
Image: CT Pan’s sole victory on the PGA Tour to date came at the 2019 RBC Heritage when he beat Matt Kuchar by one stroke
Two-time John Deere Classic champion Jordan Spieth notched two late birdies to make the cut with a four-under 67 but is eight shots adrift heading into the weekend at six under par.
The 2013 and 2015 winner said: “We had yesterday morning with no wind and a chance to really take advantage.
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“I had 18 holes of a couple under yesterday, and unless you’re absolutely perfect from there, there is not much of a chance of winning.
“That doesn’t mean you don’t go out and try and shoot 10 under the next day.”
Watch the third round of the John Deere Classic live on Sky Sports Golf from 5pm on Saturday. Coverage of the final round then begins at 5pm on Sunday.
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England star Harry Brook has been named Northern Superchargers men’s team captain for the 2024 edition of The Hundred.
The middle-order batter burst into the England team during 2022 and continued his good form into 2023, scoring big in Pakistan and New Zealand for Ben Stokes’ Test side.
His form in The Hundred also started with big numbers, a 62 from 31 balls in the Northern Superchargers’ first game showing his class.
Head coach Andrew Flintoff, in his debut season with the Superchargers, has placed his trust in Brook, recognising his leadership qualities both on and off the field.
Image: Brook is excited to work with Freddie Flintoff and the group as he captains the Northern Superchargers
Brook has been with the Headingley-based team for the past three years and last season delivered an incredible individual performance against Welsh Fire, scoring a record-breaking 105 from 42 balls.
The innings, which included two sixes and four fours, is the fastest century in The Hundred’s history.
“It’s an honour to captain Northern Superchargers, and I’m really excited for it. It’s always special to play at Headingley and to represent the area, and to do that as captain in The Hundred this year will be extra special,” said Brook.
“I really like the look of the squad we’ve formed, and I think there’s a lot to be excited about. I can’t wait to work with Freddie and the rest of the group and hopefully it’ll be a year to remember.”
Watch the remarkable moment Brook juggles a catch on the boundary to help remove Jonny Bairstow
Brook represented the Superchargers in seven matches in 2023, scoring 238 runs from 171 balls.
Wayne Parnell was captain of the side in 2023 who begin their campaign at home to Trent Rockets on Friday July 26. Hollie Armitage will once again lead the Northern Superchargers women’s team.
Northern Superchargers Men
Ben Stokes, Adil Rashid, Harry Brook (captain), Reece Topley, Jason Roy, Nicholas Pooran (West Indies), Daniel Sams (Australia), Matthew Short (Australia), Adam Hose, Matthew Potts, Callum Parkinson, Ollie Robinson, Graham Clark, Tom Lawes, Jordan Clark, Dillon Pennington
Watch The Hundred live in full on Sky Sports from July 23 to August 18. Stream Sky Sports with a NOW Sports Month Membership. No contract, cancel anytime.
Harry Kane says he is “fresh and fit” to play despite concerns, but adds that England have “not played the way we wanted” ahead of their final group game with Slovenia.
Kane missed Bayern Munich’s final game of the Bundesliga season with a back injury, and some have questioned whether he is still carrying a knock after a sluggish start of Euro 2024.
However, the Three Lions captain assured fans that he is ready and offered an insight into some of the tactics of his play so far.
“I physically feel fresh and fit,” he told a press conference. “I know sometimes when I’ve had bad games, there’s always someone looking for a reason why.
“It’s a heightened environment in a tournament and there’s been more chatter, but I feel fit and ready and I’ll play for as long as the manager wants me to.
“My preparation [for the tournament] was pretty good. The first game I felt as fit as I have all season. I came off last game [against Denmark] but that was down to the manager wanting to freshen things up.
“Going into this knockout phase I want to feel 100 per cent, and I feel as if I’m there.
Image: Harry Kane scored his first Euro 2024 goal against Denmark, and was replaced in the second half
“Some games I will stay high, sometimes I’ll drop in. As a team we’re trying to find some fluidity, and we haven’t quite clicked right. But we’re all at a high level, that will come.
“Most importantly, with the ball we need to be better, keep the ball, play higher, and get in between the lines. That will come, but we need to go out and prove it. Hopefully that comes on Tuesday.”
Kane went on to admit that he and his England team-mates have not performed at their best so far in Germany, but called for calm with them top of Group C heading into the final game.
“Momentum is the right word,” the striker said. “Before the tournament if you said we’d be in a position to qualify after two games, we’d have taken it.
“We can be honest and say we have not played the way we wanted to up to now.
“Tuesday is important for the feeling of the group, for an all-round better feeling coming off the pitch and take that into the rest of the tournament. We want to finish top.
Harry Kane was made an offer he could not refuse by a local journalist ahead of England’s crucial Euro 2024 clash with Slovenia
“Calm is important. Most of us have been here and done it – we’ve given England fans some fantastic memories.
“After the tournament you can judge us. During the tournament, it’s down to us to get it right, and find how to do it right. We want to try and find a solution.
“We know 99 per cent of England fans are behind us, but everyone has a right to have an opinion.”
A win for England in Cologne on Tuesday would ensure they go through to the knockout rounds as group winners, and Kane hopes the team can use the match against Slovenia as a springboard for the rest of the tournament.
“We definitely want to win the group,” he said. “It’s not just to avoid [certain teams], but we want momentum in the knockout stages.
“We expect to finish top, but if we don’t, it’s not a panic. We want to put a marker down on Tuesday and use that for the rest of the tournament.
“We have a good environment where everyone talks openly and honestly. It’s positive messages. We know the reality of where we are, but we also know we can improve and get better. The new or younger players are catching onto that pretty quick.”
England’s team press ranks as the third-worst at Euro 2024 – so what’s causing the breakdown?
Harry Kane has admitted England are not sure how to press when opponents start dropping deeper after two lacklustre showings at Euro 2024.
One of the many criticisms of England is playing too deep, especially out of possession, and therefore being unable to play out from the back.
Sky Sports Gary Neville admits that Gareth Southgate will have to make changes to his starting XI and possibly his system if they are to progress deep into the competition at the Euros
Kane told BBC Sport: “It’s something we’ve got to try to get better at, not just when we score.
“We’re starting games well, but when the opponents are dropping a few players deeper we’re not quite sure how to get the pressure on and who’s supposed to be going.
Sky Sports’ Gary Neville takes a closer look at where England will need to improve as they bid to win the Euros and admits that playing Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield may have to change
Gareth Southgate added: “We’ve played teams who are quite fluid in back threes, it’s not easy to get pressure on them, but we’ve definitely got to do it better than we have in these two matches.”
“[Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield is] an experiment, we know we don’t have a natural replacement for Kalvin Phillips but we’re trying some different things – and at the moment we’re not flowing as we’d like.”
So, when are England sitting deeper and how is that affecting the press?
Rob Dorsett delivers his verdict on England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark and believes there are real concerns for Gareth Southgate after another underwhelming performance at Euro 2024
How bad is the press?
When it comes to the press, the numbers support Kane’s comments: England rank third-worst at the tournament so far for allowing opponents to make passes freely without intervention.
The metric visualised below measures the average number of opposition passes a team allows before making a defensive action – so, a lower number is better.
Kaveh Solhekol feels England were lucky not to lose their match against Denmark, adding that Trent Alexander-Arnold struggled in his midfield role which could see the end of that particular ‘experiment’ from Gareth Southgate
Ukraine rank top with the most intense press, allowing opponents to make fewer than eight passes before making a defensive action. The Three Lions allow opponents more than three times as many passes – 23.1 to be precise.
Only Romania and Albania have been less effective at Euro 2024 so far.
Southgate’s side also rank third-worst for high turnovers – averaging just four per game.
Another metric supports Kane’s concerning comments about England being unsure when and who presses in the final third, three times fewer than table-topping Portugal.
The graphic below reveals England have impressive defensive solidity in their defensive half, but the ineffective press raises red flags in the opposition half – an area where most England players excel for their domestic clubs
Bukayo Saka has been typically hugging the touchline down his favoured right channel and has also posed the greatest threat, while Phil Foden has been roaming into his more dangerous central areas, resulting in a lopsided attack, which could contribute to pressing problems.
England sitting deep: What does the data say?
The graphic below summarises it perfectly: almost all outfield players averaged in their defensive third while they held their early, one-goal advantage for 16 minutes.
The graphic below elaborates on how England retreated after scoring, revealing the swing of final-third passes during the game – with the Danes hitting a match-high level of dominance before their 34th-minute leveller.
Against Serbia, Southgate’s side started the game wholly dominant, but that control ebbed incrementally after Jude Bellingham broke the deadlock, with the Serbs enjoying the lion’s share of attacking threat after the break.
Additionally, England are playing deeper than at previous tournaments, with four outfield players averaging in their own half at the World Cup in 2022 – rising to six at Euro 2024. The forwards – especially Harry Kane and Phil Foden – are also playing far deeper.
The general message emanating from the England camp is to stay calm, but the comments made by Kane and Southgate are concerning.
The majority of England’s squad players are accustomed to high-press styles at their domestic clubs, so harnessing those qualities and finding an effective balance across midfield and attack appears to be critical if England want to progress… at all.
VOTE: Who should Southgate select against Slovenia?
Gareth Southgate has plenty of problems. So what are the solutions?
Harry Kane has admitted that England are not sure how to press when opponents start dropping deeper after two lacklustre showings at Euro 2024.
One of the many criticisms of England is playing too deep, especially out of possession, and therefore being unable to play out from the back.
It is a tactic rarely seen under Southgate in group stage games, but has been a key feature of both the win against Serbia and Thursday’s draw against Denmark.
When asked about it after the game, Kane told BBC Sport: “It’s something we’ve got to try to get better at, not just when we score.
“We’re starting games well, but when the opponents are dropping a few players deeper we’re not quite sure how to get the pressure on and who’s supposed to be going.
“In the second half we tried to change it with me and Jude [Bellingham] playing in front of their two midfielders and trying to get up – but it was difficult.
“Credit to Denmark, they’re a good side and got to the semi-finals in the last Euros. Overall, we’ve got to look back and see where we can improve.”
Kaveh Solhekol feels England were lucky not to lose their match against Denmark, adding that Trent Alexander-Arnold struggled in his midfield role which could see the end of that particular ‘experiment’ from Gareth Southgate
Kane went on to acknowledge that England are also shaky in possession at times too, adding: “We’re struggling with and without the ball.
“We’ll have to go away and look at it back, but the pressure hasn’t been quite right in both games, and we haven’t been good enough with the ball top to bottom, that’s me all the way back to [Jordan] Pickford.
“We’re dropping below our level in terms of retaining the ball and playing under pressure.
“We know we can improve. There’ll be a lot of noise, a bit of disappointment back home, but we experienced this when we drew to Scotland in the last Euros. The sign of a good team is to find results when you’re not playing your best.”
Southgate: It wasn’t what we hoped for
Reacting to England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark, Gareth Southgate said he and his players have to accept criticism from the fans for underperforming, and admitted that he can understand their frustration
For Southgate’s part, he understood why fans would be frustrated with performances in the opening two games, and added that his team must find another level.
He told BBC Sport: “Clearly it wasn’t what we would’ve hoped. We’re not using the ball well enough and have to accept if you do that you’re going to suffer at times as we have tonight. We know there’s another level we’re going to have to find.
“We’ve played teams who are quite fluid in back threes, it’s not easy to get pressure on them, but we’ve definitely got to do it better than we have in these two matches.
“That’s been part of the problem, but not keeping the ball has also been a big part of the problem.”
“There’s a huge amount of work, that’s evident from the performances we’ve given. We have to stay tight, we understand people will be disappointed with the performances – and rightly so. We’ve got to make them better.”
Analysis: Why are England dropping so deep?
Image: Harry Kane was replaced by Ollie Watkins in the second half against Denmark
Sky Sports’ Nick Wright:
The result was different but there were obvious parallels with the Serbia game. Once again, a bright start was rewarded with an early goal. Once again, it was followed by the team ceding the initiative and sinking deeper and deeper into their own half.
This tendency to invite pressure is not new. It has been a curious feature of Gareth Southgate’s tenure. But mostly it has occurred in knockout games against the big nations. Not in group-stage fixtures against sides sitting outside the top 20 in the FIFA rankings.
It is baffling that a group of players as good as this, a group regarded as favourites to win the tournament, can end up playing like an underdog in games such as these but that is the reality of what they served up, first against Serbia and now against Denmark.
Image: Denmark’s Morten Hjulmand scored a superb equaliser
Of course, that is not to say these are easy fixtures. Tournament football can be unforgiving. But the Denmark game was just the latest in which England have invited problems by inviting pressure. It led to Denmark’s leveller and it could have been worse.
The statistics were alarming. Denmark, in addition to outshooting England, made slightly more passes and had slightly more of the ball. But consider, too, where they had it compared to England. Denmark had 22 touches in the opposition box to England’s 11. They made 142 passes in the final third to England’s 97.
It is not as though England lack the personnel to play higher up the pitch. In Kyle Walker and the excellent Marc Guehi, they have quick defenders able to sweep up behind a high line. In midfield and attack, they have players drilled to play in exactly that way for their clubs.
Why, then, does the same issue keep resurfacing? A degree of pragmatism is understandable at a tournament. But England are causing themselves unnecessary problems.
Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Kane struggled in England’s 1-1 draw with Denmark, but Marc Guehi once again stood out as the Three Lions’ best player.
Kane’s opener was cancelled out by a superb strike from Morten Hjulmand, but the performance from Gareth Southgate’s side once again asked more questions than it answered.
Here, Sky Sports rates the England players from their match in Frankfurt and you too can rate all of the players below…
Jordan Pickford – 7
Had a nervous few minutes around the half an hour, but also made some good saves throughout. Could do little for Hjulmand’s equaliser.
Kyle Walker – 6
Image: Kyle Walker played a key role in England’s goal
Brilliant play to nip in behind Rasmus Kristensen for England’s opener, but had other nervous moments when England struggled across the board.
John Stones – 6
Did well defensively, but as with many of his team-mates, looked lost in possession at times. Not his best, not his worst.
Marc Guehi – 8
Image: Marc Guehi was England’s standout player in Frankfurt
Another impressive showing at centre back. His best moment came late in the game as he recovered from an error to block a Denmark shot. Looks every inch the England international.
Kieran Tripper – 6
Did well at left-back, all things considered but like much of the England team, did not have many clips for the highlights reel.
Declan Rice – 5
Image: Declan Rice was unable to influence the game
Had a few bright moments, including a close second-half shot. But was too deep when England were out of possession, and did not have his usual influence over the game.
Trent Alexander-Arnold – 5
Had a few good moments defensively, but struggled in midfield. Too deep out of possession, lacking energy and too many misplaced passes – although certainly not the only one guilty of it. Hard to see how he continues in the same role going forward and replaced in the 54th minute.
Jude Bellingham – 5
Image: Jude Bellingham could not follow up his fine performance against Serbia
Could not follow up his impressive performance against Serbia and was largely anonymous. First real contribution came close to the hour, but made a sublime pass for an Ollie Watkins effort in the 71st minute.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Great positioning for England first goal and unlike his teammates, tried his hardest when he had the ball to create chances. Along with Foden, looked more assured in the second half once Conor Gallagher came on in midfield. Substituted in the 70th minute.
Harry Kane – 5
Image: Harry Kane scored in the first half, but was replaced after the break
Did little other than score the opening goal, but it was a good finish. Questions have to be asked as to his positioning and misplaced pass for Denmark’s equaliser, as well as his fitness. Replaced by Watkins in the 70th minute
Phil Foden – 7
Looked like a man with a point to prove. Had four shots and with more licence to roam, was England’s best attacking player. Rifled a shot onto the post in the second half, before being substituted for Bowen.
Substitutes
Conor Gallagher (for Alexander-Arnold) – 7
Brilliant clearance just before the hour ahead of Christian Eriksen and once again shored up England’s midfield.
Jarrod Bowen (for Foden) – 6
Took his knocks from Denmark after coming on, and executed himself well. No real inflential moments.
Eberechi Eze (for Saka) – 5
Almost got caught out soon after his introduction as Eriksen collected a pass, but was helped out by his team-mates. A tournament debut for the Crystal Palace winger.
Ollie Watkins (for Kane) – 7
Image: Ollie Watkins made his international tournament debut, replacing Harry Kane
Within minutes of coming on, had run in behind the Denmark defence to force a save from Kasper Schmeichel. An impressive cameo from the Aston Villa striker.
Declan Rice told me he felt England’s opening win over Serbia was the archetypal “game of two halves”. He was right.
England’s total dominance in the first half contrasted with their disjointed and lacklustre second half. And so, understandably, there are a host of positives and negatives that Gareth Southgate will be reflecting on in the coming days.
The key issue now for the England manager is addressing the negatives in time for the second Group C game against Denmark on Thursday.
Image: Jude Bellingham celebrates after heading England in front against Serbia in their Group C opener
The positives: Brilliant Bellingham and a clean sheet
Firstly, England won their opening game of the Euros, as they have done in each of the three other major tournaments in which Southgate has been in charge.
That should not be overlooked, or taken for granted. In fact, Southgate’s record bucks the trend of history: the win in Gelsenkirchen was only the second time in nine attempts England have won their first match at a Euros.
That gives the team a massive boost, it gives momentum and now – with the expanded tournament – it makes it almost impossible for England to fail to qualify for the knockout stages. One more point from two more games would almost certainly do it.
Image: Bellingham’s 13th-minute goal was the difference for Gareth Southgate’s side
Secondly, Jude Bellingham. Jude Bellingham did what Jude Bellingham does – grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck and demanded he be the lead actor in the spectacle.
Much has been said of his influence, and his importance, already. We shall devote no more column inches here to England’s best and most important player – except to say that Southgate will hope he continues in the vein in which he started.
Thirdly, England kept a clean sheet. Something they’d only done twice in their previous seven internationals. And in the absence of Harry Maguire, and with Luke Shaw still injured, there were real concerns about the defence.
There still are, for me, but England’s back-line did manage to ultimately repel the formidable front two of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Dusan Vlahovic. Albeit with some good fortune at times, and with thanks to a couple of excellent saves from Jordan Pickford.
Image: Marc Guehi impressed alongside John Stones in defence for England
The way that Serbia’s front pairing was marshalled by Marc Guehi – playing his first game at a major tournament – was the fourth huge plus.
The Crystal Palace man started the game with 41 straight passes completed, and ended the game with a 96 per cent completion rate. Wow. Euros debuts don’t get much better than that. He looked composed and confident. Exactly what Southgate ordered.
Fifthly, there were no new injury concerns. Kieran Trippier told me after the game that his problem in the game was cramp-related, but he said he was pleased to feel it because he needed the game time.
That leads me to my sixth positive – there were vital minutes for many England players who have come into this tournament desperately undercooked.
Trippier, Harry Kane, John Stones – all got the full 90 minutes. Bukayo Saka got 75. That can only help their sharpness for the matches to come.
But that is where the positives end, and this is where the negatives start kicking in…
The negatives: Struggling Kane and Foden mystery
Rob Dorsett gives greater insight into Harry Kane’s recovery from his back injury and what it could mean for England at the Euros
Firstly, captain Kane looks miles away from full fitness, hard as he might be trying in games, and on the training pitch. At the moment, it feels like more competitive minutes might not be enough to get England’s talisman fully firing.
Forty-nine goals in 52 games this season is an extraordinary record. But the final three matches of the domestic season – which he missed because of a back injury – seem just as significant as the previous 52.
At the Arena AufSchalke, Kane touched the ball just once, before we got into injury time at the end of the first half. It is true that, but for a brilliant save by Predrag Rajkovic in the second half, he would have opened his Euro account with a towering header. But that effort aside, he has rarely – if ever – been so anonymous.
Likewise Phil Foden – negative number two. The Premier League player of the season, who acts as a conductor to the orchestra of football that is Manchester City, can’t seem to get a tune out of his England team-mates.
Sure, he isn’t playing in his favourite position of number 10. He won’t, so long as Bellingham remains in this form. But even when he has played there for England recently, as he did in the warm-up games, he has struggled.
More often, he is stuck out on the left wing, with Southgate encouraging him to drift in, find space, and influence the game. He wasn’t able to do that at all against Serbia. And how you solve a problem like Phil Foden is becoming a real pain in the England manager’s neck.
Thirdly, for a squad that I feel is the envy of every other nation at this tournament for attacking talent, there was a worrying lack of creativity against Serbia. England had only five shots on goal in the whole 90 minutes. Serbia managed six.
Collectively, their 11 efforts were the lowest on record in a Euros match since the format began in 1980; the worst of 322 other matches.
But I would argue that problem was caused by England’s fourth negative. England couldn’t allow their creative players to thrive, because they didn’t have control of midfield, in the second half.
Gary Neville questions the balance in the England midfield following the 1-0 win over Serbia and whether Trent Alexander-Arnold could be the man to play alongside Declan Rice
How Trent Alexander-Arnold is used in the team is key. Southgate says he has spent the last 12 months teaching him the art of the central defensive midfielder – a position unnatural to him when he plays for Liverpool.
His array of passing was there for all to see early in the game, but as England faded, Alexander-Arnold was more exposed.
He does not innately understand positionally where he needs to be when England are out of possession. Should he really be learning his trade in a European Championship?
Only when Conor Gallagher came on did England’s midfield look more secure, and their pressing game began to bear fruit. Before then, it was all too common to see Bellingham’s arms raised in frustration, as he pressed the ball, only to find none of his team-mates doing the same.
Gallagher to start? The changes Southgate might consider
Southgate doesn’t have much time to address these issues before Thursday’s meeting with Denmark in Frankfurt. In fact, just two full training sessions – that is how quickly these Euros games come along.
I’ve hinted at some of the changes he might be thinking about already: Gallagher into the middle of midfield in place of Alexander-Arnold. Kane to be replaced earlier in the second half, to give Ollie Watkins or Ivan Toney a first run at a major tournament.
In truth, while Kane will almost certainly start the match, I doubt on current fitness he can complete two lots of 90 minutes in the space of four days.
Paul Merson admits he was ‘bored’ by large parts of England’s performance in their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia
The other interesting conundrum for Southgate is his wide attacking options, and whether he might dare to drop Foden. It would be a brave and controversial call. But with the goal-scoring prowess, and goal-creating inventiveness of both Cole Palmer and Ebere Eze chomping at the bit, it may be the most pragmatic decision right now.
The good news about Luke Shaw’s progress on the training pitch and in the treatment room might also force Southgate’s hand in making another tweak.
There is absolutely no criticism of Kieran Trippier if we suggest that the England boss would prefer to see Shaw line up at left-back.
Trippier has been outstanding for his country for so long, his versatility admirable. But England are too often, too narrow. That is why Southgate has tended to play the left-footed Foden on the left wing rather than on the right wing, where he has consistently played for City this season.
Michael Dawson discusses how England fans need to remain positive despite an underwhelming performance in their opening Euro 2024 match against Serbia
England lack natural width – with each of Foden, Saka, Palmer and Eze preferring to cut inside, off the flank. Shaw is a left-footed left-back, which not only helps when he is attacked on the outside by an opposing winger, but it also helps England progress the ball up the left flank.
He may well, in part, be a solution to Foden’s problems too, if he can offer more natural support while playing higher up the pitch.
There is no panic for Southgate or England. They – like all of the other big guns in this tournament – have made a winning start. But the Three Lions are far from their roaring best right now.
In truth, the show they are putting on is a bit flat. It has been panned by many of the critics. They need some clever guidance from their circus master if they are to be considered realistic trophy contenders.
Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire have been left out of England’s final squad for Euro 2024.
Maguire misses out due to a calf injury that has kept him out of action since mid-April, while his Manchester United team-mate Luke Shaw makes the cut despite not having played since February due to a hamstring problem.
Anthony Gordon and Jarrod Bowen have been selected ahead of Man City’s Grealish, a £100m signing from Aston Villa in 2021 and three-time Premier League winner.
James Maddison and Curtis Jones have also been culled with Crystal Palace duo Adam Wharton, uncapped until Monday’s win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Eberechi Eze preferred, making the Eagles the most-represented club in the squad with four players.
Southgate has picked Marc Guehi, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez and Ezri Konsa as potential centre-back partners for John Stones, leaving out Jarrad Branthwaite and Jarell Quansah, though the young Liverpool defender has remained on standby.
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw has made the final 26-player squad with England manager Gareth Southgate confirming that the left-back could be fit for the Three Lions’ second group game with Denmark on June 20.
England’s Declan Rice says there’s no bitterness from the players left out of Gareth Southgate’s final 26-player squad.
Manchester Unitedteenager Kobbie Mainoo, who made his international debut against Brazil in March, has also been selected, while Southgate has opted to take Ivan Toney and Ollie Watkins as deputies to Harry Kane.
England can make late replacements to their squad until their first game at the Euros on June 16 against Serbia if a player has been injured or falls sick, while goalkeepers can be changed throughout the tournament.
England’s final 26-player squad for Euro 2024
Sky Sports senior reporter Rob Dorsett analyses Gareth Southgate’s final 26-player squad for Euro 2024.
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Dean Henderson (Crystal Palace), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal).
Defenders: Lewis Dunk (Brighton), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle), Kyle Walker (Manchester City).
Forwards: Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Jarrod Bowen (West Ham), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle), Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Cole Palmer (Chelsea), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa).
Southgate explains his calls
Gareth Southgate explains the reasons behind the inclusion Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney in his final 26-player Euro 2024 squad.
England manager Gareth Southgate, speaking at a news conference after the announcement:
“All of the players [not included] took the news really respectfully. All players of course will feel they should have been in and that’s why they’re top players because they have that self-belief and they have that mindset.
“The fact is we’ve got some players who have been playing extremely well all season in the league and we just feel other players have had stronger seasons – particularly in the past six months or so.
“We saw some fantastic performances the other night which underlined some of that and in the attacking area of the pitch we’re blessed with a lot of options and they’re all slightly different.
England manager Gareth Southgate discusses the reasons behind some of the omissions from his 26-man squad for Euro 2024.
“Madders [Maddison] and Jack [Grealish] would have provided us with something different as well and they’ve been tough calls.
“They’re calls we’ve gone over and over and over as a group of staff to try to be fair and to try to use the right rationale.
“We back our decisions but we recognise we could have gone a different route. The boys are big characters, fabulous team-mates and great boys to work with. It’s sad to have to deliver that news to them.
Declan Rice heaps praise on England teammate Adam Wharton after the Crystal Palace midfielder made Gareth Southgate’s 26-player Euro 2024 squad.
“Trent can play both [in midfield and defence], we had nine defenders in the last couple of tournaments so I think we’re the same now.
“That was part of the reason we couldn’t take Harry Maguire. We would’ve had to take a 10th defender, and that balance wouldn’t have been right, it would’ve left us short in other areas.
“Harry has made some progress, but it’s been complicated and we wouldn’t have had him in the group stages. There were too many hurdles to get through without being clear where we might get to.
“Knowing we haven’t got a clean bill of health across the rest of the backline, we need players who are fit and ready to go from the start.
“It was a really difficult call, you know how I feel about Harry, what he’s done for England and for me as a manager. It’s a slightly different case to [Grealish and Maddison], but it’s no easier.”
Maguire ‘devastated’ & Maddison surprised
“I am devastated not to have been selected to play for England at the Euros this summer,” Maguire posted on social media.
“Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to overcome an injury to my calf. Maybe I pushed myself too hard, to try and make it. Simply, I am absolutely gutted.”
Maddison tweeted earlier: “Devastated doesn’t quite cut it. Trained well and worked hard all week but if I’m honest with myself, my form for Spurs when coming back from injury in the second half of the season probably wasn’t at the levels I had set which gave Gareth a decision to make.
“I still thought there would be a space for me in a 26-man squad as I feel I bring something different & had been a mainstay in this whole qualifying campaign.”
Analysis: Snub an unexpected blow for Grealish
Sky Sports News senior reporter Rob Dorsett provides an update on Gareth Southgate’s final Euros squad.
Sky Sports News senior reporter Rob Dorsett:
“It’s a big blow to Grealish and it is unexpected. Grealish himself decided to turn up early for training as part of the Manchester City squad that was part of the FA Cup final.
“He arrived at the earliest opportunity to try to prove his fitness and show how desperate he was to be part of this squad but Southgate feels he has better options elsewhere.
“The performance of Eberechi Eze against Bosnia showed how he offers something different to some of the other options Southgate has at his disposal.
“He’s very direct and commits defenders while running at pace. Perhaps Maddison and Grealish are a little too similar in the way they cut in off the left.
“They don’t go at the same pace and with the same directness that Eze does while I think the fact Jarrod Bowen played the entirety of that match is significant.”
Carragher disagrees on Branthwaite: He is England’s present and future
The key dates for England
All times BST
Friday June 7 – International friendly, England vs Iceland at Wembley, kick-off 7.45pm
Friday June 7 – Final 26-player squad submitted to UEFA
Saturday June 8 – Final 26-player squad announced
Monday June 10 – England squad fly to Germany
Saturday June 16 – Serbia vs England, Gelsenkirchen, kick-off 8pm
Thursday June 20 – Denmark vs England, Frankfurt, kick-off 5pm
Tuesday June 25 – England vs Slovenia, kick-off 8pm
Marcus Rashford’s omission from the provisional squad was the first clue that Gareth Southgate might be approaching this tournament differently. Now we know it for sure.
There was a perception that young newcomers such as Adam Wharton would be the ones to make way when the squad was cut to 26. Instead, there have been high-profile casualties.
James Maddison’s omission, having been, in his words, a “mainstay” during England’s qualifying campaign was another big call and it was followed by an even bigger one as Jack Grealish, fresh from an impressive cameo against Bosnia and Herzegovina, was axed as well.
In Rashford, the frozen-out Raheem Sterling, Grealish and Maddison, Southgate has chosen to go without an attacking quartet with a combined total of 185 England caps and 39 goals.
There are changes afoot in midfield, too. Gone are Jordan Henderson and Kalvin Phillips, to whom Southgate was criticised for remaining loyal, replaced by the next generation.
Now we are wondering whether Kobbie Mainoo or Wharton might complete the central three alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. Trent Alexander-Arnold, once shunned for his perceived defensive deficiencies, has been embraced as another midfield option.
Harry Maguire’s omission is not by choice. His calf injury has done for him. But his omission, added to those of so many other big names, adds to the fresh feel of this England squad. Southgate has changed tack. To many, this boldness is overdue. Nick Wright
Southgate rips up England’s left-hand side
Image: Jack Grealish has missed out on a place at Euro 2024
In the 2022 World Cup, Gareth Southgate took four left-wing options: Phil Foden, Marcus Rashford, James Maddison and Jack Grealish. Now just one remains for this summer’s Euros.
Rashford and Grealish both played and scored for England in Qatar. They were key players for the Three Lions at the last Euros which saw them reach the final. But Rashford was left out of the provisional squad due to not having a good enough season, and it appears Grealish has fallen to the same fate.
Now it leaves Foden, the Premier League Player of the Season, as the clear frontrunner to start on that left-hand side in Germany, and Southgate hinted last month that the Manchester City attacker will be allowed to drift inside.
But if England need a natural left-winger then it will be Anthony Gordon and Eberechi Eze that Southgate will call upon. Both made first England starts in that position recently and both impressed.
England have options at left wing and it’s the same at left-back. Luke Shaw reportedly being fit enough is a boost but, just like at Euro 2020, Kieran Trippier may have to start the tournament in that role to allow England’s first-choice left-back to recover. Joe Gomez is the backline defensive utility man as emergency cover.
Will a brand new left flank bring a change in England’s fortunes at major tournaments? Sam Blitz
Who takes final midfield spot?
Image: Is Trent Alexander-Arnold the midfield solution for England?
Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham are expected to be part of a three-man England midfield, but Southgate is overloaded with options for the remaining spot.
Phil Foden’s scintillating season playing in a free role for Manchester City has increased calls for him to be utilised in the same way. Foden, though, has often featured on the left for England, yet with Eberechi Eze and Anthony Gordon on the plane, perhaps he is lined up to play in the middle.
The same applies to Cole Palmer, who likes to drift inside from the right, but may be seen by Southgate as cover for Bukayo Saka along with Jarrod Bowen.
Southgate has experimented with Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield and he shone against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday. However, the right-back is untested in major tournaments.
Conor Gallagher can play further forward through the middle, but he appears to be a direct replacement for the energetic No 8 role that Jordan Henderson used to deliver alongside Rice – one that Southgate could always rely on.
Then there are the new kids on the block to consider: Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton. Both bring a calmness in possession. Their inclusions could be a watching brief for future tournaments.
Without doubt, Southgate has a solution for every eventuality. David Richardson
Watkins and Toney a surprise
Image: Ollie Watkins started against Bosnia and Herzegovina
A key question since the turn of the year had been whether there would be space for both Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney in England’s squad for Euro 2024.
In March, ahead of the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, even Southgate wasn’t sure. Asked whether there would be space for both this summer, Southgate said: “Maybe, maybe not. I genuinely don’t know the answer to that. That will depend on what kind of profile we need, what the profiles of the rest of the squad [members] are, whether we need a couple of players that are adaptable in a couple of positions and we can pick specialists in certain other positions.”
However, with squads extended to 26 players, both will now feature as understudies to captain Harry Kane, giving England a number of differing options in Germany.
Toney’s goal-scoring performance against Belgium obviously left a big impression on Southgate. After some strong showings for Brentford in the early weeks after his return from an eight-month ban, the goals did dry up for the 28-year-old, who failed to score in his last seven Premier League outings.
He is more of a like-for-like replacement should anything happen to Kane, but he does also provide a physical alternative to the Bayern Munich striker. His quality from the penalty spot is also a good option to have with shootouts potentially around the corner.
In the end, Watkins’ pace and his goal-scoring prowess also made him difficult to leave out. His 19 goals this season helped propel Aston Villa into the Champions League, and that form has rightly been rewarded.
Southgate has gone for variety in attack and that could be crucial with the target a deep, deep run at this tournament. Oliver Yew
Guehi to fill Maguire void?
Sky Sports News’ senior reporter Rob Dorsett provides an update on England’s Euro 2024 squad as Jack Grealish and Harry Maguire are omitted
Harry Maguire’s unavailability for the tournament is a significant blow for Southgate, who has remained loyal to the Manchester United defender even through his toughest periods.
The England boss has avoided the nightmare scenario of not having John Stones available either, with the Manchester City man having returned from a spell out for the FA Cup final.
But he has a major decision to make on who partners him and the leading candidate appears to be Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi, who has already seen off competition from fellow left-sided centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, the final player to be cut from the provisional list.
Guehi, like Stones, has only recently returned from injury having been sidelined by a knee problem in the second half of the campaign but he got the nod alongside Lewis Dunk against Bosnia and Herzegovina, winning his 10th senior cap under Southgate, a number which reflects his standing.
Dunk, by contrast, only has six caps. Guehi beats Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa (three caps) for experience too. Joe Gomez, meanwhile, although more experienced, with 14 caps, appears more likely to be used as a back-up full-back having played there all season for Liverpool.
Southgate loves Guehi’s understated style and has spoken glowingly of his temperament. “He has played with great maturity,” he said after starts against Ukraine and Scotland in October.
“At times he might not catch the eye in the way some other players do because he’s in the right place, so he’s not having to turn and cover for something that’s gone wrong. He’s a very calm player, positionally excellent, composed with the ball, and with a very good mentality.”
The hope for Southgate is that, in the absence of Maguire, all of those qualities will shine through on the stage of a major tournament. Nick Wright
Bowen hits bullseye after Qatar snub
Jarrod Bowen spoke to Sky Sports after playing in the 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina
“Of course [not being selected for the World Cup] makes me want it more.”
You could see the desire in Jarrod Bowen’s eyes when he delivered that statement to Sky Sports News after England’s 3-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Monday.
Bowen was first capped by Gareth Southgate in June 2022, but missed out on selection for that winter’s World Cup in Qatar.
The West Ham forward added: “I don’t know if I’m a better player, but I’m just more mature as a player and I think that comes with age, with the games that you play and confidence you gain from every opportunity you have here [with England].”
But he’s off to Germany – ousting some serious talents in Jack Grealish and James Maddison to get his chance at a major tournament. He deserves it too after kicking on again with West Ham.
Following his winning goal in the Europa Conference League final for the Hammers a year ago, Bowen has scored 20 goals this campaign and grabbed 10 assists. In a very inconsistent team, Bowen has remained consistent. He offers England an alternative option to Bukayo Saka coming from the right flank. Lewis Jones
Daring Wharton deserves his place
“I like the fact he sees pictures early, he plays forward.”
When Gareth Southgate said those words, you had the feeling he would pick Adam Wharton in his final England squad.
The 20-year-old’s England debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina showed exactly what the Crystal Palace midfielder can bring. He completed all 38 of his passes – but crucially, 32 per cent of them were forward.
Wharton is not a player who simply passes and plays it safe. He plays through the lines and unlocks defences. Against Bosnia and Herzegovina, a stunning first-time outside-of-the-boot cross nearly found Jarrod Bowen for a tap-in. This young man dares.
The young midfielder likely won’t start for England in Germany but Southgate knows that if he needs a player to find the missing ingredient when chasing a lead or playing a low-block defence, then Wharton is that player.
And can he handle the pressure? Well recent history shows he can. Wharton excelled as Palace stunned Liverpool 1-0 at Anfield two months ago, provoking Jamie Carragher to call him “outstanding” and a “real standout”.
Wharton is on the brink of a breakout summer. Sam Blitz
