Maguire 'Gutted' to Miss Euros Due to Calf Injury

Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has expressed his deep disappointment at having to miss Euro 2024 due to an injury. The 31-year-old, along with Manchester City forward Jack Grealish, both regular members of Gareth Southgate's England squad, have not been included in the final 26-man list.

Maguire, a central defender, has been unable to sufficiently recover from a calf injury sustained in April, which also kept him out of United's FA Cup final victory over Manchester City last month.

In a social media post, Maguire, who has earned 63 caps for the England national team, confirmed his absence from the tournament in Germany. He stated: "I'm devastated not to have been selected to play for England at the Euros this summer. Despite my best efforts, I've 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."

Additionally, Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, Liverpool's Jarell Quansah and Curtis Jones, and Tottenham midfielder James Maddison have also been excluded from the squad.

Maguire, who was initially part of Southgate's 33-man provisional squad, further expressed: "For me, 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 – along with the rest of the country. Go and win it boys.

"Next, I will return to the supervision of the Manchester United medical team in order to prepare for next season."

Earlier on Thursday, it was confirmed that Tottenham forward Maddison, 27, and Liverpool midfielder Jones, 23, had both departed from the training camp. Maddison also took to social media to share his feelings: "Devastated doesn't quite cut it. 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."

England is set to begin their Euro 2024 campaign with a Group C match against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on 16 June, followed by games against Denmark on 20 June and Slovenia on 25 June.