England Euro 2024 provisional squad: Jordan Henderson's move to Ajax falls through due to loss of Marcus Rashford | soccer news

Henderson's move to Ajax did not pay off

Over the years, Jordan Henderson has been an England stalwart, having been included in the squad for the last six major tournaments. There is no denying the fact that he brought leadership and quality to a midfielder that sometimes lacked both.

And even when there were deafening calls for Henderson not to be selected during his brief spell in Saudi Arabia, he still got a call-up.

Henderson was booed by England fans and criticized by LGBTQ+ groups in October, but Southgate stayed the course. “I really don’t understand why a player is reacted unfavorably because of where he plays,” the manager said when calling up the midfielder in September.

Ultimately, life at Al-Ettifaq did not suit Henderson, whose contract was terminated by mutual consent in January. Henderson returned to Europe with Ajax to stay in touch with the England squad as they look to boost their chances of qualifying for Euro 2024.

But it didn't work for the midfielder. He made just nine appearances as the club finished fifth in the Eredivisie. Now he isn't even on the provisional list, let alone the final 26.

We've reached a point where Southgate can't ignore Henderson's decline in form. Midfielders playing regularly in the Premier League and La Liga will be much more effective this summer.

Sky Sports News' Rob Dorsett expected Henderson to join the squad to help with leadership on and off the pitch, but said Southgate should feel he is already fully equipped in that role in the 33-man provisional squad.

Our senior reporter also questioned whether this was the end of Henderson's England career. Considering he turns 34 the day after the Three Lions' opener against Slovakia, you might imagine that the March international game was his last in the famous white shirt.

Rashford has paid the price for his loss of form

Marcus Rashford shone at the 2022 World Cup, scoring three goals in just 137 minutes and leaving fans wondering why Gareth Southgate didn't rely on him sooner in the quarter-final against France, where he only came on in the 85th minute. .

This starring appearance comes midway through a stellar individual season in which Rashford netted 30 goals in all competitions for Manchester United, winning the Player of the Year award and signing a new five-year contract at Old Trafford.

How quickly things have changed. Less than a year later, with Rashford seemingly facing an uncertain future at Manchester United, he was out again and England manager Southgate had no place for him in his 33-man provisional squad for Euro 2024.

Southgate stuck with Rashford despite performing well below his standards in the first half of last season, naming him in his squad for September, October, November and March. But his form continued to deteriorate. In the end, he paid the price.

Wharton: Blackburn to move to England within four months

This year turns out to be Adam Wharton's year. Few people would have seen it coming in mid-January.

Wharton, who joined Crystal Palace from Blackburn on February 1, has now been called up to the England provisional squad. There is no chance of him going to Germany or playing in the two friendlies before the tournament, but his journey this season has been nothing short of incredible.

Wharton's performance at Crystal Palace was outstanding. Many players have developed under Oliver Glasner and the 20-year-old is one of them.

His passing, movement, positioning and ability on and off the ball caught the eye of Southgate, and the midfielder made his England U21 debut in March. Such is his form, Wharton has already been linked with a £60m move to Bayern Munich.

Whirlwind is an understatement. Wharton clearly looks to be the future with another new England call-up.

And whether they get on the plane or not, the experience will be invaluable. With the next tournament just two years away, Wharton will certainly have his sights set on making the 2026 World Cup squad.

Is this England's 'changing of the guard' moment?

Southgate's side have a feeling of a changing of the guard.

Dorsett, a senior reporter for Sky Sports News, added: “A lot of people have said Southgate is too cautious. He doesn't use enough players who are doing well and playing well for his club. I don't think he can level up. That's the criticism of him now. .”

The omission of players such as Henderson, Rashford, Ben Chilwell and Reece James, and the inclusion of uncapped players such as Wharton, Curtis Jones and Jarell Quansah, provide a glimpse, if only tentatively, of how Southgate sees the future of this team.

Experience is still key to one of the most popular games in tournaments, but a move towards the next generation is beginning. If they advance to the final 26, Cole Palmer, Eberechi Eze and others will have the opportunity to play in their first major tournament.

With every team improving, there had to be a move towards these new names sooner or later, and Euro 2024 seems to be the indicator.

It is yet to be seen whether Southgate's England tenure will end or not, but the future certainly looks bright.

What's next for England? key dates

Always BST

Monday, June 3 – International friendly, England v Bosnia and Herzegovina, 7.04pm kick-off at St James' Park.

Friday, June 7th – International Friendly, England v Iceland, Wembley, 7.45pm kick-off.

Friday, June 7th – Final 26-man squad submitted to UEFA

Saturday, June 8 – Announcement of final 26-member squad

Monday, June 10th – England national team flies to Germany

Saturday, June 16th – Serbia v England, Gelsenkirchen, 8pm kick-off

Thursday, June 20th – Denmark v England, Frankfurt, 5pm kick-off

Tuesday, June 25th – England v Slovenia, 8pm kick-off