GARETH SOUTHGATE has admitted that one star in his Euro 2024 training squad is a “long shot” to make it to Germany.
The England boss named his 33-man provisional training squad today as the Three Lions prepare for their two pre-tournament friendlies.
Southgate’s 33-strong list will need to be whittled down to just 26 players by June 7, meaning seven stars will be left at home by the waistcoat-wearing gaffer.
And Southgate has made it clear that one Manchester United star included in the list is a “long shot” to make the trimmed squad next month, despite admitting the player is his “first choice” in their position.
The 53-year-old explained that injury-stricken left-back Luke Shaw will face a tough task to be fit in time to be included in the final 26-man squad for the Euros.
Shaw, who has been a crucial part of Southgate’s England set-up, has found it hard to stay fit this season with Man Utd and hasn’t played since February.
But Southgate admitted that he and his team at St George’s Park have given the defender plenty of time to try and make it back in time for this summer’s tournament.
Speaking in his press conference, he said: “He’s [Luke Shaw] up against it, he’s missed a lot of football.
“The fact that he has been our first choice in that position, we’ve probably given him a lot longer than we would have done.
“I’m not sure what’s realistic at this time. I have to say, he’s a long shot.”
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Shaw is carrying a muscular issue, but has been close to a return for United in recent weeks.
Southgate is juggling a lot of injuries in defence ahead of the Euros and was forced to name 11 defensive players in his provisional squad as a result.
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Liverpool youngster Jarell Quansah received a call-up for the first time, while Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite was also called upon for the second time this season.
Further up the pitch, Southgate was forced to make some brutal cuts to his midfield and attacking selections.
The England boss parted ways with Jordan Henderson, who has been capped over 50 times under Southgate and played in three major tournaments.
While Shaw’s Man Utd team-mate Marcus Rashford was also dropped from the squad after a disappointing campaign for the Red Devils this term, along with fellow regulars Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell.
Surprise additions to the squad included Crystal Palace duo Adam Wharton and Eberechi Eze, as well as Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones.
Southgate and England will now face Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland before the work begins in Germany.
