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:
Would Southgate be able to justify picking Kalvin Phillips?
Latest rumours suggest that Kalvin Phillips will miss out on Southgate’s squad this afternoon. Phillips joined West Ham on loan in January looking for game time, but there is a chance that has actually harmed his chances.
The midfielder has struggled since returning to the pitch, culpable for goals conceded against Bournemouth and Manchester United and sent off in the Hammers’s 2-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest.
It’s seen Phillips drop down to the bench in recent weeks. Not exactly the “fresh start” he was hoping for.
Will Southgate stick with Jordan Henderson?
Now, the midfield question.
“The probability is that Southgate’s two most contentious selections, twin examples of his stubborn loyalty, will be in the centre of the pitch,” writes The Independent’s Senior Football Correspondent Richard Jolly.
Jordan Henderson has probably boosted his chances now he is no longer in Saudi Arabia, but the fact he was still picked while playing for Al-Ettifaq suggests how committed Southgate is to the former Liverpool captain.
Southgate went to see Henderson play in one of his first appearances for Ajax - but was it enough?
Has the time come for Dominic Solanke?
In most other years, the Bournemouth striker would be nailed on to make the England squad. The former Under-21 international has scored 14 goals in the Premier League this season and has taken a clear step forward this season.
There is so much competition among the forwards, however, so Solanke may have to wait his turn unless Southgate wants to try something new ahead of the Euros.
Could Southgate offer Ivan Toney a recall?
Now this would be a twist. Ivan Toney was in the England squad a year ago, before he was banned for eight months for breaching betting rules. The Brentford striker has returned to action but has now gone four games without a goal.
But Southgate has seen something before, and his ability to take penalties is certainly an asset ahead of a major tournament...
Ollie Watkins leading the race to be Harry Kane’s back-up
Ollie Watkins is having an oustanding season for Aston Villa and his 16 goals in the Premier League this season is only two behind Erling Haaland. With a further 10 assists, Watkins leads the Premier League in overall goal contributions.
While the 28-year-old had a difficult night against North Macedonia in November, he should have the chance to audition again for the role of Kane’s back-up again.
Can Cole Palmer get another England chance?
One of the signings of the season in the Premier League, Cole Palmer has scored 11 goals and set up a further nine in his debut year for Chelsea. The 21-year-old is arguably Chelsea’s best player and was called up to the England squad as an injury replacement back in November. He is making a strong case to be included for the Euros.
Does Jarrod Bowen deserve to keep his spot?
Surely? Bowen has scored 14 times in the Premier League this season for a defensive West Ham team and has shown his quality from the right wing. Only Erling Haaland, Ollie Watkins and Mohamed Salah have scored more.
There is plenty of competition, but Bowen is currently out-performing the likes of Rashford and Grealish, and it seems certain that he gets the opportunity to add to his five caps.
Will Southgate keep faith with Marcus Rashford?
The Manchester United forward’s struggles with form at times this season have been well documented, but Southgate usually focuses on the bigger picture and sticks with those who he trusts.
Rashford has scored in his past two games and Southgate has kept faith with him in the past.
Has Raheem Sterling done enough for a recall?
Only Harry Kane has scored more goals for England under Gareth Southgate than Raheem Sterling, but the winger has not played for his country since the 2022 World Cup.
Has Southgate moved on from the 29-year-old? He has preferred other options in Jack Grealish, Jarrod Bowen and even Cole Palmer in recent squads.
It does not feel like Sterling has been consistent enough to alter Southgate’s thinking, although injury to Grealish could have opened up a spot.
A return for Joe Gomez or Eric Dier?
Perhaps. Gomez is a versatile option, and has played at right back, centre-back, left back and holding midfield for Liverpool this season. He was in Southgate’s plans the season Liverpool won the Premier League in 2019/20 and would have won more caps had it not been for injury.
Dier, meanwhile, is back playing with Bayern Munich, and has been used by Southgate more recently. He could come in as injury cover before the Euros.
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