Maddison, Jones cut from England’s Euro 2024 squad

Tottenham playmaker James Maddison and Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones will not be included in England’s 26-man squad for Euro 2024.

Maddison and Jones were part of Gareth Southgate’s 33-man provisional squad, but both players have left England’s training camp after being told they will not make the final cut.

Southgate must name his official 26-man squad by Friday’s deadline, which is just after England play Finland at Wembley in their last warm-up ahead of the tournament.

The Euros start in Germany on June 14 and England are among the favourites as they chase a first major men’s trophy for 58 years.

Maddison, 27, was introduced as a 61st-minute substitute in Monday’s 3-0 friendly win against Bosnia and Herzegovina at St James’ Park.

But Maddison, whose form tailed off for Tottenham following a strong start to the Premier League season, is among seven players who will not be on the plane to Germany.

Maddison, who went to the 2022 World Cup with England, has won seven caps but faced stiff competition in his position with the likes of Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka.

Along with Maddison and Jones, Liverpool’s uncapped defender Jarell Quansah is also expected to miss out on a Euro place.

Meanwhile, Manchester United defender Luke Shaw has returned to training after a lengthy muscle injury, boosting his hopes of making the England squad.

The 28-year-old left-back, who scored against Italy in the 2021 final defeat, has not played since February and made just 15 appearances for United in all competitions last season.

Southgate’s final squad is scheduled to be announced on Saturday, with England starting their Euro campaign against Serbia on June 16 before facing Denmark and Slovenia in their other Group C fixtures.