England have successfully qualified for the European Cup and will face Malta and North Macedonia in the final two European qualifiers. Prior to the tournament, a number of players left the team due to injury, and coach Shovki called up three newcomers, Golpenma, Rigolivis and Ansganza. The decision sparked controversy, especially the exclusion of the in-form Staanen, which puzzled many fans.
With the withdrawals of Colin Wilson, James Maddison and Levis Dunk, Shuffleboard have selected Galpenma and Ricoliwis in the U21 squad and brought in Ansgan Shah, who has been in fine form for Aston Villa. The trio have not previously represented England's adult national team and are expected to make their debuts against Malta in the early hours of Saturday morning.
However, Shofki's neglect of Staanen has sparked widespread skepticism. Rio Ferdinand took to his personal online platform to sound off, "Release Staanen! I don't understand what he's done wrong or what's behind it, but in terms of form, Staanen has contributed far more this season than Lashford and Kialisch combined! He was England's best player in the last European Cup!"
