James Maddison leaves England camp as he becomes first star to be axed from Gareth Southgate’s Euro 2024 squad
JAMES MADDISON has become the first player to be axed from Gareth Southgate’s provisional England squad for Euro 2024.
The Tottenham star, 27, has learned his fate and has already left the Three Lions camp.
GettyJames Maddison has been cut from Gareth Southgate’s England squad[/caption]
GettyGareth Southgate named a 33-man provisional squad last month[/caption]
Maddison joined up with the Three Lions after returning from Spurs’ post-season trip to Australia.
He featured from the bench in Monday’s 3-0 friendly win over Bosnia.
But the midfielder has failed to make the cut.
Maddison has earned seven England caps.
He was handed his first international start against Ukraine in a qualifier last year.
The former Leicester ace was included in Southgate’s World Cup squad in 2022, but did not make an appearance in Qatar.
Maddison moved to Spurs in a £40million deal last summer following the Foxes’ relegation.
He enjoyed a brilliant start to life in North London, scoring three goals and laying on five assists in his first 11 Prem outings for Spurs.
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The playmaker suffered an ankle injury against Chelsea last November, ruling him out for 10 weeks.
Upon his return he failed to conjure the same levels of productivity, scoring once and laying on four assists in 17 appearances.
England will take on Iceland on Friday, before Southgate decides on his remaining six cuts.
One player sweating on his place is Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
The forward, 28, scored just four goals in 17 Prem appearances after returning from betting ban in January.
He was an unused substitute against Bosnia, with Ollie Watkins preferred.
While minutes for Harry Kane will be prioritised in Friday night’s game, with the Bayern Munich still recovering from a back injury.
Southgate, 53, said: “I have got to get Harry Kane right.
“Sometimes the priorities of what’s required and what you would like to see, as well, means you can’t achieve all of those objectives. Simple as that.”
Southgate’s latest omissions will come after his ruthless initial squad announcement.
The England boss left out experienced stars including Raheem Sterling, Jordan Henderson and Reece James – opting for fresh blood in the likes of Adam Wharton, Eberechi Eze and Jarell Quansah.
RexIvan Toney is sweating on his place[/caption]
