GARETH SOUTHGATE gave a brutally-honest explanation for dropping Marcus Rashford and Jordan Henderson.
The England manager left out two of his most experienced players out of the 33-man training squad ahead of Euro 2024.
Raheem Sterling, Ben Chilwell, Reece James, Eric Dier and Kalvin Phillips were among the other big names to miss out.
Ben White’s England exile continued, too.
But it was the exclusion of senior pros Rashford and Henderson that attracted the most attention.
They have 141 caps for England and have appeared in ten major tournaments between them – with Ajax man Henderson playing in each one since Euro 2012, with Rashford joining him four years on from Euro 2016.
Only Harry Kane and Sterling have scored more goals in Southgate’s tenure as Three Lions boss than Manchester United’s Rashford.
Unsurprisingly, the manager was asked about his tough call to snub the pair – and cited form and fitness for their absence.
Southgate said: “These are of course difficult calls. You are talking about players that are very important players.
“With Marcus, in that area of the pitch, I feel that other players have had better seasons, it’s as simple as that.
“Hendo has given himself every chance. From the last camp, he missed five weeks through injury and he hasn’t been able to get to that tempo since then.
“It’s a big call to make, the three players from last time, he, Ben (White) and Marcus (Rashford) all had excellent professionalism.
“Jordan will be a miss. He’s an exceptional individual and a fantastic human being. He’s been in that leadership role for a long time.”
Rashford took to his Instagram story 20 minutes after the 2pm announcement to give a classy response.
He shared the Three Lions’ squad announcement post and wrote: “Wishing Gareth and the boys all the best for the up and coming tournament.”
Meanwhile, five uncapped stars made the initial cut.
James Trafford, Jarrad Branthwaite, Jarell Quansah, Curtis Jones and Adam Wharton were all included.
The training squad will be available for England’s two warm-up friendlies.
England take on Bosnia & Herzegovina at St James’ Park on June 3.
They then host Iceland at Wembley four days later.
Southgate has to submit his final 26-man squad to Uefa by June 7, just nine days before the Three Lions’ opening Group C game against Serbia before playing Denmark and Slovenia.
And the gaffer is confident the players at his disposal can go all the way at Euro 2024.
Southgate added: “Of course, everyone is waiting for that headline, I’m not going to be an idiot and say no.
“This team have been close already, they know it is is possible.
“You can see in cup football, you have to navigate game by game, get through the group and then in knockout football, you see Manchester City only got to where they got to because it is fine margins. You get judged on those moments.”
