Gareth Southgate has made some tough decisions ahead of Euro 2024, reportedly dropping Liverpool stars Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah from England's final squad, reported by GOAL. This comes as part of Southgate's effort to trim the squad down to the required 26 players.

Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah were part of England's provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024. However, according to Matt Law of the Daily Telegraph, both players have been informed that they will not be making the final cut. This decision comes just before England's last friendly match against Iceland at Wembley Stadium.

Earlier in the week, Tottenham Hotspur's James Maddison was also released from the squad. Southgate still needs to drop four more players before finalizing his team for the trip to Germany. This reduction is necessary because the tournament allows each team to have a maximum of 26 players in their travelling squad.

Manchester City star Jack Grealish is another high-profile player who might not make the final list. With the squad size increased from the usual 23 to 26 players, Southgate has a bit more flexibility, but tough choices remain inevitable.

UEFA announced last month that they would increase the squad sizes from 23 to 26 players for Euro 2024. This decision was made after multiple coaches and national associations requested more slots to manage the demands placed on players due to fixture congestion. Despite this increase, Southgate still faces the challenge of trimming his squad by seven players.

What next for England for Euro 2024

The Three Lions are gearing up for their final friendly match against Iceland on June 7. This game will be crucial for Southgate to evaluate his players one last time before making the final cuts. England's first match in Euro 2024 is against Serbia on June 16, and the team will also face Denmark and Slovenia in the group stage.

Gareth Southgate has the unenviable task of balancing experience with youth and potential. Curtis Jones, known for his versatility and energy in midfield, and Jarell Quansah, a promising defender, have both shown great potential but will not be heading to the Euros. Southgate’s decisions reflect the depth of talent available in England but also the high standards expected at major tournaments.

James Maddison’s exclusion earlier this week raised eyebrows, especially given his creative flair and technical skills. The manager's choices suggest a preference for players with proven international experience or those currently in top form. Jack Grealish, who has had an inconsistent season, might also find himself on the chopping block despite his ability to change games with his dribbling and vision.

With four more players to be cut, the pressure is on for those still in the squad to impress Southgate. The friendly against Iceland will serve as the final audition for many. Players like Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Raheem Sterling are expected to be pivotal, but Southgate will need reliable squad players to step up.

Preparing for the Euros

England's preparation for Euro 2024 has been rigorous. The squad has undergone extensive training camps, and the friendly matches have provided valuable insights into player form and fitness. Southgate’s final squad will aim to balance defensive solidity with attacking prowess, hoping to build on the team's recent successes.

Gareth Southgate's decisions are always under intense scrutiny, and the exclusion of promising talents like Jones and Quansah highlights the tough nature of international football. As the countdown to Euro 2024 continues, England fans will be eager to see how the final squad shapes up and how the team performs on the grand stage.

England's journey to Euro 2024 begins soon, and with a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging stars, Southgate's men will aim to bring home the trophy. The next few days will be crucial as the final touches are made to a squad that carries the hopes of a nation.