Rashford axed as Southgate calls up new faces to squad

Five uncapped players in frame for England's Euros bid

- RICHARD JOLLY

Gareth Southgate has axed Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson from his England training squad for Euro 2024 and given call-ups to young and in-form players.

Uncapped Liverpool duo Jarell Quansah and Curtis Jones are in a 33-man party along with Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford and Crystal Palace’s Adam Wharton, who began 2024 as a Championship player with Blackburn.

Henderson, who was England vice-captain and has won 81 caps, has not missed a major tournament since the 2010 World Cup but has had a difficult season, first joining Al-Ettifaq and then leaving after six months to sign for Ajax. Southgate had remained loyal to both the midfielder and forward Rashford as they struggled at club level, until taking the dramatic decision to drop both.

“Henderson’s given himself every chance. The determining factor was the injury he picked up in the last camp,” Southgate said. “He missed five weeks and wasn’t able to get back up to the level of intensity. It was a difficult decision.”

Rashford, who has been in England’s last four major tournament squads, including all three under Southgate, has not started a match since last month’s FA Cup semi-final. He has only scored eight goals for Manchester United and loses out to wingers who have enjoyed more productive seasons.