England squad announcement LIVE: Gareth Southgate reveals Raheem Sterling and Bukayo Saka decisions

Gareth Southgate on John Stones:

“I am really disappointed for John. The quality of his play is outstanding. He’s having a difficult time injury-wise at the moment, but it gives others an opportunity and we do need to know a little bit more about other players in that area of the pitch.”

Gareth Southgate on Marcus Rashford’s struggles at Manchester United.

“I’ve not spoken to him. He knows we love him. He’s been exceptional in his last three starts with us so we’re really happy with him.

“He enjoys his football with us so, for me, there’s nothing to discuss. What happens at his club is nothing to do with me.”

He says Rashford was “unlucky” to be sent off in Copenhagen last night.

Southgate says he wanted to pick Reece James but reveals the Chelsea captain did not feel he was ready after only just returning from another injury lay-off.

He mentions Tino Livramento as a potential option at full-back, but says the U-21s remains the best place for him for now.

Southgate says there are still several injury concerns among those who have been named in the squad, with the results of scans still to come back in a few cases.

He says Callum Wilson is the biggest doubt. “They are all keen to be in the squad.”

Southgate says: “I couldn’t be certain that everybody who’s in that squad will be there on Sunday. Varying levels of doubt. I’m pretty confident the others can get through.”

Gareth Southgate says there was no need to make too many changes to his squad after “excellent performances” in October’s matches.

He says the “door is still open” to players who have missed out, but he is “pleased with the team” at this moment in time.

We’re just a few minutes away from Gareth Southgate naming his England squad.

The England manager will then answer questions from the media at Wembley on his selection.

Any surprises in store?

Mikel Arteta is hopeful Bukayo Saka will be fine after the Arsenal forward was brought off with a “knock’’ in the Champions League victory over Sevilla.

Saka was the star of the show as Arsenal brushed Sevilla aside in a 2-0 win at the Emirates, setting up Leandro Trossard’s opener before doubling the hosts’ lead in the second half.

But the 22-year-old was once again on the receiving end of several fouls from the Sevilla defenders and signalled to come off late in the contest after an awkward landing.

Arteta, however, did not appear to be overly concerned after Saka’s early exit. Arsenal host Burnley in the Premier League on Saturday, while Gareth Southgate watched on at the Emirates ahead of announcing his England squad on Thursday ahead of qualifiers against Malta and North Macedonia.

More below:

Southgate to keep faith in Henderson and Phillips?

Henderson was booed by England fans in recent internationals at Wembley following his move to the Saudi Pro League, but that only seemed to strengthen Southgate’s loyalties to the player. The manager values Henderson’s professionalism, experience and leadership in a youthful squad and is willing to look past the level of the SPL in order to keep the former Liverpool captain in his group.

Phillips is also a firm favourite with Southgate but there is a growing issue around his lack of game time for Manchester City. He has only played 51 minutes since the last international window - in three substitute appearances for City. However, he remains a leading option in a shallow pool of central midfielders and now has plenty of major tournament experience.

Outside contenders for a midfield spot?

James Ward-Prowse: The West Ham midfielder is in form for his club but out of favour for his country, having just missed out on the past two major tournaments and having been excluded from recent squads. There have been calls for him to usurp Henderson in midfield, but Southgate remains as yet unmoved.

Sean Longstaff: The Newcastle man has been a consistent performer in recent weeks and is pushing for his first international call-up.

Joe Willock: Another Newcastle player who is knocking on the door, Willock is back up and running this season after a long injury lay-off and scored a stunning goal in the recent win at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup.

Back from injury?

Bukayo Saka should return after missing the matches against Australia and Italy due to injury, but Phil Foden’s performance in a four-man attack led by Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Marcus Rashford means he may have a fight to get back in the team.

Eberechi Eze is also available again - the Crystal Palace midfielder was last included in September’s squad and Gareth Southgate seems to be a fan.

A recall is looking less likely for Callum Wilson, however, after the Newcastle striker appeared to pick up another injury in the defeat at Dortmund on Tuesday.