Graeme Souness is convinced Gareth Southgate has left his best goalkeeper at home for Euro 2024

Gareth Southgate missed a trick when he left out "the best English goalkeeper around" from his Euro 2024 squad, according to Graeme Souness.

The Three Lions manager has been forced to make some tricky decisions ahead of their Group C opener against Serbia on June 16.

Jack Grealish, James Maddison, Jarell Quansah, Harry Maguire, James Trafford, Jarrad Branthwaite and Curtis Jones were all dropped from the final 26-man squad on Thursday.

And last month, ahead of friendlies against Bosnia and Iceland, Southgate left out Marcus Rashford, Jordan Henderson and Reece James from his 33-man provisional squad.

Another player who also missed out was goalkeeper Jack Butland, who was nominated for the PFA Scotland Player of the Year award last season after a stellar campaign with Rangers.

Butland's omission was overlooked by many at the time, but former Scotland international Graeme Souness is convinced the former Stoke City shot-stopper should have been included.

In his column for the Daily Mail, Souness revealed his surprise at Butland's absence from the squad.

"I believe this is the strongest England squad I have seen going into a top tournament,’ he said.

"Yes, there are a few frailties in defence, particularly if Luke Shaw falls over, but generally it’s a fantastic squad and a common sense selection.

"Gareth has also been very loyal to Jordan Pickford, which I can understand, but, for me, there is another goalkeeper who should be going to the tournament.

"I’ve watched Jack Butland several times playing for Rangers this season and he is the best English goalkeeper around. I’m surprised he hasn’t earned a place."

Image credit: Getty

Souness also believes Crystal Palace midfielder Adam Wharton should start ahead of Kobbie Mainoo this summer.

"I’m really pleased Adam Wharton has got in. I really like the Crystal Palace midfielder," he added.

"I’ve said before he knows the responsibilities and discipline required of a midfielder and has real quality. Kobbie Mainoo is good on the ball but Wharton has greater understanding of the position.

"In Wharton, Mainoo and Cole Palmer you have three young players who have seized their chance and are full of confidence, but Palmer will give his manager a major headache. England’s real strength is in their firepower.

"Gareth is blessed in the forward positions but I just sense Palmer, if he can replicate his Chelsea form, will give a performance, maybe from the bench, that will make it very difficult to leave him out.

"I believe it came down to a straight choice between Palmer and Maddison and he has gone for the in-form player."

Image credit: Getty

Souness added: "There are only seven games including the final so this is not for players scratching for form. That’s seven games to hit the ground running but the strength in this squad makes me believe England are favourites to win it."

Do you agree with Souness? Let us know in the comments.

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