In an unexpected turn of events, England’s Test captain, Ben Stokes, made a surprise appearance at the national football team’s training camp in Darlington on Saturday.
Photos of Stokes greeting players like Jack Grealish, Harry Kane and Ollie Watkins were even posted on the official England football team’s Instagram account.
Ben Stokes focused on different things
This surprise visit comes amidst the ongoing T20 World Cup, where Ben Stokes is notably absent from England’s squad as they defend their title. He opted out of the tournament currently underway in the USA and West Indies.
Jack Grealish cuts holiday ahead of Euro 2024
Meanwhile, the focus at the football camp remains on the upcoming European Championships 2024. Jack Grealish, Manchester City attacker, cut his holiday short to join his teammates and ensure a spot in Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad.
With competition fierce for attacking positions, Grealish’s dedication is likely to be well-received by the manager.
Gareth Southgate has options
Southgate has a wealth of talent at his disposal, with players like Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, and Anthony Gordon all vying for a place in the final squad. The recently announced provisional 33-man squad also included some surprise picks, with youngsters like Jarrad Branthwaite and Curtis Jones receiving call-ups.
Final England Euro 2024 squad decisions
With the Euros fast approaching, Southgate will use the upcoming friendlies against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Iceland to assess his options and make the tough decisions regarding the final seven players to be cut. England will then head to their training base in Germany to finalize preparations before their Euro 2024 campaign begins.
While the reasons for Stokes’ visit remain unclear, his presence at the football camp has certainly generated curiosity. One thing is certain: both England’s cricket and football teams are gearing up for crucial international tournaments, and all eyes will be on them as they strive for glory.
