GARETH SOUTHGATE revealed England’s stars were “devastated” after he dropped his Euro 2024 bombshells.
The Three Lions boss axed injured Harry Maguire, plus attackers Jack Grealish and James Maddison as he reduced his 33-man squad to 26.
And incredibly, only half the 26-man squad from the 2022 World Cup is left.
Southgate only broke the news to Manchester City’s £100million star Grealish, 28, after training yesterday.
The Three Lions chief said: “I have just delivered a really difficult conversation to a lad who is devastated. I think the world of him as a kid.
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“It certainly doesn’t get any easier. You put yourself in the shoes of a player, a parent. You understand that for these players this is a devastating moment.
“We knew we had a couple of really difficult days coming up.
“The whole period has been tough, going back to talking to Marcus Rashford and Hendo (Jordan Henderson).
“Lots of difficult calls. But we have worked through all of that.”
England face Iceland in their final pre-Euros friendly at Wembley tonight.
Southgate added: “At the start of the camp there was a little bit of doubt over Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka wasn’t on the pitch. Anthony Gordon wasn’t on the pitch.
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“We had to see where those things developed yesterday and then to today and the final confirmation.
“We just felt other players had stronger seasons, particularly in the last six months.”
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Also given the boot were keeper James Trafford, defenders Jarell Quansah, Jarrad Branthwaite and midfielder Curtis Jones.
Southgate waited until yesterday to tell Grealish as there were fitness concerns over another player, believed to be Gordon.
If he had broken down in training, Grealish would have remained.
Maguire, 31 — suffering with a calf issue — went out running yesterday morning and thought he would be in the squad.
He was stunned when given the bad news.
The centre-back, who will miss his first major international tournament since Southgate took charge in November 2016, said: “I am devastated not to have been selected.
“Despite my best efforts, I have not been able to overcome an injury to my calf. Maybe I pushed myself too hard to try and make it.
“Simply, I am absolutely gutted.
“Representing England is the highest honour. It means everything to me.
“If I can’t help the team as a player, I will support them as a fan. Go and win it, boys.”
Spurs star Maddison, 27, said: “Devastated doesn’t quite cut it.
“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 qualifying campaign.
“But the manager has made the decision and I have to respect that. I genuinely hope that football comes home.”
England midfielder Declan Rice said: “Jack and Madders are two of my best mates in the squad and I’ve spent most of my time with them this week.
“Now they’re going home, so I don’t know what I’m going to be doing for the rest of the few weeks!
“They’re gutted they’ve been left out of the squad. We’re so close as a group and no one is feeling really bitter about being left out.
“It’s football. It happens. The manager has to make harsh decisions.”
Southgate also picked striker Ivan Toney as he believed he needed more than Ollie Watkins as an option if skipper Harry Kane got injured.
Southgate said: “We’re conscious that if you had a problem with Harry, then to only have one alternative, you could run into trouble.”
