In a surprising move, England manager Gareth Southgate has dropped Tottenham midfielder James Maddison from the final squad for Euro 2024. This decision comes just days before England's last warm-up match against Iceland.

Gareth Southgate has made a decisive move by excluding James Maddison from the England squad set to compete in the upcoming European Championship. Despite being named in the provisional 33-man squad, Maddison will not be part of the final roster. This decision was made public just before England's final friendly match against Iceland on Friday.

Maddison's recent form

Maddison, 27, has had a challenging season plagued by an ankle injury that sidelined him for two months. Since his return, his performance has been inconsistent, managing only one goal and four assists in the Premier League from January to May. His struggle to regain top form may have influenced Southgate's decision to omit him from the squad.

The midfielder's international career has been equally turbulent. Despite being a talented playmaker, Maddison has earned only seven caps for England and has yet to feature in a major tournament. He was part of the squad for the 2022 World Cup but did not get any playing time.

Southgate’s decision is part of the larger task of trimming the squad from 33 to 26 players ahead of the tournament. This means six more players will face disappointment, although it remains unclear if these cuts will also be announced before the Iceland game. England will fly to Germany shortly after this final friendly, marking the end of their preparations on home soil.

Southgate’s squad selection process is always scrutinized, and this time is no different. Dropping a high-profile player like Maddison highlights the tough choices the manager faces. Each decision reflects a balance of current form, fitness, and tactical fit for the tournament.

James Maddison has been with the national team for several major events but has struggled to make a significant impact. His exclusion from the Euro 2024 squad marks another missed opportunity to shine on the international stage. The midfielder's talents are undeniable, but his inconsistency and injury setbacks have hampered his ability to secure a regular spot in Southgate’s plans.

What's next for England at Euro 2024

With Maddison out, Southgate must finalize his squad and prepare for the European Championship's group stage. England's campaign begins on June 16 against Serbia, followed by matches against Denmark and Slovenia. These games will test the Three Lions’ readiness and adaptability as they aim for a strong tournament performance.

Southgate has led England through three major tournaments, including the semi-finals of the 2018 World Cup and the finals of Euro 2020. The upcoming Euro 2024 presents another opportunity for the team to achieve glory. However, the pressure is on to make the right squad selections and tactics to navigate through a challenging group stage and beyond.

As for Maddison, he will need to focus on regaining his best form with Tottenham. His exclusion from the national team could serve as motivation to improve his performances and prove his worth for future selections. With his talent, a strong season at club level could see him back in contention for England’s future campaigns.

Gareth Southgate's decision to drop James Maddison from the Euro 2024 squad underscores the difficult choices national team managers must make. With the tournament fast approaching, Southgate’s focus will be on finalizing his team and preparing them for the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Maddison will look to bounce back and make his case for inclusion in future international competitions.