No official squad announcement has been named, but on Monday, England national football team coach Roy Hodgson named a provisional 26-man squad for their upcoming friendlies prior to Euro 2016.
The list included some surprise inclusions, Danny Drinkwater – expected to be named as a standby player – and Andros Townsend being two. However, with only 23 names required, Hodgson will have to cut three names off before heading for France.
Revealed! Roy Hodgson names a 26-man squad for the #ThreeLions' pre-#EURO2016 friendlies.#TogetherForEngland pic.twitter.com/HCAr7NpvoQ
— England (@England) May 16, 2016
Regardless, many English Premier League players have already learnt their fate, with those not named in the 26-man team having already been excluded from the tournament. Number one on the list is Arsenal attacker Theo Walcott.
The Gunners man’s woes with the national side continue, having missed out on the 2014 World Cup due to an unfortunate injury. This time around, a lack of games and a poor season sparked his Three Lions doom.
Theo speaks out on Twitter over his England exclusion
I am of course disappointed not to make the squad, but I have spoken with Roy and respect his decision
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) May 16, 2016
I wish Roy and all the team the best of luck for a successful Euro's.
— Theo Walcott (@theowalcott) May 16, 2016
Over to the Man United camp, and several names were absent. In fact, Wayne Rooney and Chris Smalling were the only Red Devils aces to make the cut, meaning there was no spot for the likes of Ashley Young, Phil Jones, and Michael Carrick.
One surprise omission was that of Jermain Defoe, the 15-goal striker who played a pivotal role in saving Sunderland from being relegated this season. The former Spurs ace was rumored to be confident on a national team call-up, but was excluded in favor of Marcus Rashford.
Everton boast two players in the provisional squad, with Ross Barkley and John Stones both making it, but Leighton Baines was not given a nod, and will join Phil Jagielka as two Toffees defenders that will watch the tournament from home.