England squad LIVE: Anthony Gordon called up as Kalvin Phillips dropped before Euro 2024
England will face Brazil and Belgium at Wembley as Southgate moves a step closer to naming his Euro 2024 squad
England manager Gareth Southgate moved a step closer to finalising his Euro 2024 plans as he named his latest squad ahead of friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium later this month.
Southgate brings in Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon for their first senior call ups, and recalls Joe Gomez and Ivan Toney to the squad after spells away. Gomez, who won the last of his 11 senior caps in October 2020, has returned from the international wilderness for these Wembley friendlies. Toney is back involved at the first opportunity after serving an eight-month Football Association betting ban.
Cole Palmer also makes the squad as he hopes to add to his two England caps. Jordan Henderson retains his place in the group but there is no spot for Kalvin Phillips, who is struggling to make an impact on loan at West Ham after a long time marginalised at Manchester City. Raheem Sterling was conspicuous by his absence once again, and Southgate revealed Arsenal’s Ben White has made himself unavailable for England selection.
The March international break represents a final chance to experiment and try out some new faces.
Follow live updates from the announcement, below:
Could Jarrad Branthwaite enter Southgate’s thinking?
The 21-year-old has impressed at Everton this season and gives Southgate a left-footed option at centre-back, while he is also a composed and capable passer from the back. Levi Colwill is an injury doubt, so Southgate may look to Branthwaite to give cover to Harry Maguire.
England squad announcement LIVE
He’s already received the backing of Kieran Trippier, so could Tino Livramento replace his Newcastle teammate for country as well as club? The 21-year-old was Newcastle’s best player during Monday’s 3-2 defeat at Chelsea, with Southgate watching on. Could a first England call-up follow?
Now or never for Ben White?
White has impressed for Arsenal this season, with the Gunners at the top of the Premier League and through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League, but he has not played for England since leaving the World Cup midway through the tournament in December 2022.
With so many injuries at right back, is this his chance to return? He can pretty much wave goodbye to his England career if Southgate does not select him, or White may have decided that he is happy without playing international football.
England squad announcement LIVE
We do know the players who have already been ruled out due to injury - and there are lots, especially at full-back:
- Trent Alexander-Arnold
- Reece James
- Kieran Trippier
- Luke Shaw
- Ben Chilwell
- Marc Guehi
- Callum Wilson
- Nick Pope
- Curtis Jones
There are few doubts to add to that as well, including Anthony Gordon.
England squad announcement LIVE
Despite the decisions facing Southgate, we know at least some of the players who will be making his squad today, unless there are any injury problems we are not aware about.
You can be sure to include:
- Harry Kane
- Jude Bellingham
- Declan Rice
- John Stones
- Kyle Walker
- Bukayo Saka
- Phil Foden
- Harry Maguire
The rest? We’ll just have to find out...
Every issue facing England as Gareth Southgate makes major Euro 2024 squad decision
It is decision time for Gareth Southgate. On Thursday, he will announce his squad for England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium. The last internationals before the summer represent a window into his thinking, to who will make the cut for Euro 2024.
With tournament squads reduced to 23, Southgate has more difficult decisions to make and less scope to appease fringe figures than he did when he could take 26 players to Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.
In turn, it may give less of chance to experiment while rewarding the versatile. For now, and partly because of injuries, Southgate has issues in every department of the squad. He has too many players in some positions, not enough in others, decisions to make in all.
Richard Jolly previews Southgate’s selection:
Every issue facing England as Gareth Southgate makes major Euro 2024 squad decision
England squad announcement LIVE
How many players will Southgate name today?
It depends. As England are playing friendlies this month, he could name as many as he wants.
But the Euros will see a return to 23-player squads, after they were increased to 26 players for Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.
You would think Southgate would be wanting to narrow down by now.
England squad announcement LIVE
Hello and welcome.
It’s a big day for Gareth Southgate as he announces his latest England squad ahead of friendlies against Brazil and Belgium later this month.
The England squad will be released at 2pm today before Southgate holds a press conference at Wembley Stadium, where the Three Lions will play both games.
Stay tuned for all the build-up and news ahead of the announcement today.
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