The announcement of England's final 26-man squad for the upcoming Euro 2024 tournament in Germany has left fans and pundits alike with much to discuss. While the inclusion of several key players was expected, the absence of Jarrad Branthwaite and Jack Grealish has sparked a debate about the selection process and the criteria used by manager Gareth Southgate.

Branthwaite, a promising young defender from Everton, had a stellar season and was widely tipped to make the cut. His omission in favor of Lewis Dunk has raised questions about Southgate's decision-making. Branthwaite's ability to hold a high line, his physicality, and his impressive performances throughout the season made him a strong contender for a spot in the squad. It's hard to ignore the fact that Dunk, while a seasoned campaigner, has not been at his best and has struggled in an England shirt.

On the other hand, Jack Grealish's exclusion is less surprising given his recent form, but it still feels like a missed opportunity. Grealish offers something different, a creative spark and unpredictability that can be invaluable in tournament football. His absence means England will be without a player who can unlock defences and provide a different dimension to their attacking play.

Southgate's decision to take three strikers - Harry Kane, Ollie Watkins, and Ivan Toney - is understandable, given the need for options upfront. However, it's the defensive choices that have left many scratching their heads. The decision to include Joe Gomez, who has struggled for form and fitness, over Branthwaite seems particularly puzzling.

In the end, the England squad is a mix of tried and tested players, along with a few surprises. While the likes of Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham, and Bukayo Saka will be expected to lead the charge, it's the omissions of Branthwaite and Grealish that will be the talking points in the build-up to the tournament. Southgate will be hoping that his chosen 26 can deliver the goods and bring home the trophy, but the debate over the squad selection is likely to linger on.