Southgate to drop ‘objective machine and breakout star’ in Euro squad, AI predicts

Gareth Southgate has announced his provisional 33-man squad for Euro 2024 on Tuesday – but the England boss now has the tough job of trimming the squad down.

The 53-year-old has already made some big decisions with Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Jordan Henderson all missing out on the squad. However, he still faces a selection headache before the Three Lions jet across to Germany this summer.

Southgate has to cut his squad down to 26, by dropping seven players. And Daily Star Sport asked AI (in the form of ChatGPT) who should be dropped from Southgate’s squad – and it’s bad news for Cole Palmer.

READ MORE: Biggest shocks from England’s squad – household names ditched and five debutants

READ MORE: Marcus Rashford ‘left out of provisional England Euro squad by Gareth Southgate’

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“Southgate’s decisions will be influenced by the upcoming matches and training sessions, where player performance and fitness will be closely monitored,” it said before outlining the rationale that will influence Southgate.

AI reckons that three factors will influence who he cuts: experience and form, positional balance and injury concerns.

What do you think of AI’s decisions for the final 26-man squad? Let us know in the comments section

The first player on the chopping block is James Trafford, with AI reasoning: “With three other goalkeepers ahead in experience and current form (Henderson, Pickford, Ramsdale), Trafford is the most likely to be omitted to bring the number down to three.”

While the defenders cut should be Jarrad Branthwaite and Jarell Quansah, who are both yet to make their debuts. AI said: “Despite his potential, Branthwaite is less experienced at the international level compared to others.

“Another young talent [Quansah], but he might miss out due to stiff competition from more seasoned defenders like Maguire, Stones, and Guehi.”

Kobbie Mainoo has been one of the standout stars for Manchester United in a difficult season – and he’s rightly made his debut at senior level for England. However, AI thinks Southgate should snub him for the final squad.

It said: “Still gaining experience and likely to be edged out by more established midfielders like Rice, Bellingham, and Gallagher.” And it produced the same reason for Adam Wharton – who was a surprise inclusion on Tuesday afternoon.

The biggest shock comes in the form of Chelsea talisman Palmer. Despite being on the top goalscorers in the Premier League this season, it’s not enough according to AI.

“While Palmer has had promising moments at Chelsea, his form and consistency over a longer period are still developing,” AI said when it was asked to expand on Palmer’s snub.

“Southgate might prioritise players who have demonstrated consistent performances throughout the season and over multiple seasons. Players like Foden and Grealish have been mainstays in their respective clubs and have consistently performed at a high level.”

Alongside Palmer, AI backed Ivan Toney to miss the cut.

Southgate has to submit his 26-man squad by midnight on 7 June and announced by 8 June.