Gareth Southgate discusses his final EURO 2024 squad

Gareth Southgate faced the press just moments after confirming his final 26-man EURO 2024 squad on Thursday evening.

The boss was joined by Declan Rice to discuss the players that were both included and excluded from the list as well as to preview Friday's night's final warm-up match against Iceland.

Here is what they both had to say.

Southgate on the omissions of Harry Maguire, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Maddison and Jack Grealish…

There's no question it has been one of the most difficult days in the job. We're a close team and everybody has felt it for the lads who've missed out in the last couple of days. It's a devastating blow for them and they've all been amazing in the way they've taken it.

Madders and Jack give us something different but we back our decisions. We've been over and over it as staff and we back our rationale. They are both big characters and great to work with so it's sad we have to deliver that news to them.

The decision on Harry is totally about his recovery from injury. He wouldn't have been available for the group stages and there were lots of hurdles to clear before it was clear whether anything further than that would be possible. We don't have a clear bill of health across the backline and we need players who are fit and ready to go.

I think it's a bit early for Jarrad. He's had a fabulous season and it was good to get him on the pitch on Monday. Of course ideally we'd have had a left-footed centre-back but I don't think it would have been the right call.

Southgate on the balance of experience and youth…

Some of the young players have done brilliantly to push experienced players out of the squad. They've been playing extremely well in the league and we saw some performances on Monday that underlined that. We've got 11 players who have been to three tournaments or more, with younger players who are playing so well we can't afford to ignore them. That's already brought a hunger, a competitiveness. The group have got to work together, they've got to realise that when we pick teams the subs will be key to us doing well in each match. We need to create those bonds.

Southgate on selecting three strikers…

All of Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins and Ivan Toney have different profiles. They all offer something different. We know Harry is the starter but with the demands of the boys across the season and the five-sub rule we have tremendous options.

Southgate on Luke Shaw's fitness…

I think you can take one gamble and this is a gamble we have enough evidence to believe can pay off. The fact he's a left-footer and gives us different attacking options as well meant it was a situation we wanted to explore. Luke has progressed really well. At the moment we think he could have some involvement in the second group game but he has to keep hitting the markers.

Rice on seeing teammates leave camp…

It's been really tough. Madders and Jack are two of my best mates in the squad so to see them go is not a nice feeling. But they both said just now they wish us all the best. Obviously they're gutted. Managers have tough decisions to make and that's part of the role. They're really supportive of what we're about to do.

Rice on Kobbie Mainoo and Adam Wharton…

We saw in the last camp against Brazil and Belgium what Kobbie can do and he fully deserves his place. He's been excellent for the last six months at club level.

There's a difference between top level and on the cusp of being at the top level at the age of 20 and Adam is top level. He sees a pass, it's impressive the way he passes the ball. There's a crispness. He's really composed and relaxed. He's shocked the Palace boys in how well he's done. It's important we don't put too much pressure on him but England have an amazing midfielder coming through.