Gareth Southgate has unveiled his England squad for the upcoming international fixtures, featuring a mix of established stars and surprising inclusions. In the crucial Euro 2024 qualifying matches against Malta and North Macedonia, Manchester City’s Kalvin Phillips has been surprisingly called up, despite his limited playing time this season with only one start for his club.
Notable inclusions in the squad are Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham, who have been exceptional for Bayern Munich and Real Madrid respectively. Kane boasts an impressive record with 19 goals and seven assists in 14 Bundesliga and Champions League appearances, while Bellingham has proven his prowess as one of the world’s top midfielders, scoring 13 goals in 14 matches for the LaLiga giants.
However, Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah has been left out despite his hat-trick against Sheffield United in October. The defense sees the return of Harry Maguire, Kyle Walker, Marc Guehi, Levi Colwill, and Kieran Trippier, with Lewis Dunk and Fikayo Tomori retaining their spots. Unfortunately, John Stones will miss the matches due to an injury sustained in the Champions League win over Young Boys.
In midfield, Southgate has chosen Trent Alexander-Arnold, Eberechi Eze, Conor Gallagher, Declan Rice, and Jordan Henderson alongside Bellingham and Phillips. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone has retained his place, despite competition from in-form Nick Pope at Newcastle. Aaron Ramsdale and Jordan Pickford complete the goalkeeping lineup.
Forward options include Bukayo Saka, Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, and Marcus Rashford. James Maddison has been included in the squad despite injury concerns. Callum Wilson and Ollie Watkins have been recalled and will vie for a starting position alongside Kane. West Ham’s Jarrod Bowen has earned a call-up following his impressive form, setting a Premier League record by scoring in his first six away games this season.
Notably, Raheem Sterling has once again been omitted from the squad, although Southgate emphasized that the door remains open for him and other players. Additionally, Ben White of Arsenal was excluded, with Southgate citing his unique full-back profile as a center-back playing in that position.