'Devastated' James Maddison reacts to losing place in England squad

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison has shared his disappointment with being cut from England's preliminary squad ahead of Euro 2024 later this month.

Maddison was included in the original 33-player group but was the first to be released as Gareth Southgate works on whittling numbers down to a final 26 for the tournament.

The seven-cap 'number ten' was informed on Wednesday he wouldn't have a seat on the plane to Germany next week and has since left St George's Park, with England still to play one more warm-up friendly against Iceland on Friday night.

"Devastated doesn't quite cut it," Maddison said as he posted on X, formerly Twitter.

"Trained well and worked hard all week but if I’m honest with myself, my form for Spurs when coming back from injury in the second half of the season probably wasn’t at the levels I had set, which gave Gareth a decision to make.

"I still thought there would be a space for me in a 26-man squad as I feel I bring something different and had been a mainstay in this whole qualifying campaign for Euro 2024 in Germany. But the manager has made the decision and I have to respect that.

"I'll be back, I have no doubt. Wishing the boys all the luck in the world out in Germany, unbelievable group and lads that I literally call some of my best friends. I genuinely hope football comes home."

England trained for the final time on Thursday morning before Southgate must decide on a final squad – UEFA's deadline is midnight on Friday, just over two hours after full-time against Iceland.

Reports suggest the Three Lions boss has already made his decisions, with Curtis Jones, Jarell Quansah, James Trafford, Jack Grealish, Harry Maguire and Jarrad Branthwaite also expected to be left off the final list.

EURO 2024 SWEEPSTAKE