‘Missing the Euros was one of the toughest moments of my career – I got into a good place mentally and physically with my form, then my body broke down’: England star reflects on agonising summer

BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 06: Joleon Lescott, England coach, looks on as Harry Maguire, Harry Kane, Jack Grealish, Levi Colwill and teammates of England pass the ball during a training session at St George's Park on September 06, 2024 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)

The England squad that travelled to Germany for Euro 2024 eventually left heartbroken as they suffered defeat in the final to Spain, but an injury for one key player caused heartbreak even before the first game against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen.

In selecting his final England squad, Gareth Southgate made some shock decisions for the 26 he was taking to Euro 2024 - Adam Wharton and Lewis Dunk were both included, while Jack Grealish, James Maddison and Harry Maguire all missed out.

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Ryan Dabbs
Staff writer

Ryan is a staff writer for FourFourTwo, joining the team full-time in October 2022. He first joined Future in December 2020, working across FourFourTwo, Golf Monthly, Rugby World and Advnture's websites, before eventually earning himself a position with FourFourTwo permanently. After graduating from Cardiff University with a degree in Journalism and Communications, Ryan earned a NCTJ qualification to further develop as a writer while a Trainee News Writer at Future. 

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