England squad LIVE: Eberechi Eze called up as Gareth Southgate names squad for Euro 2024 qualifiers

Southgate on Trent Alexander-Arnold, reported by PA: “He is a super footballer. He is obviously playing in a slightly different role which has invigorated him in the last few months.

“He has always been in advanced areas of the pitch with the ball. He is just a bit more central now.

“That’s interesting for us – no question. It’s something I’ve talked to him about and we’re looking forward to working with Trent.”

Gareth Southgate was asked about the racism surrounding Vinicius Jr in La Liga

Southgate praised Eze after handing the Crystal Palace midfielder a maiden call up into the senior squad

Lewis Dunk was called up by Gareth Southgate for the upcoming internationals

Toney has also been given support by Southgate, and a possible way back into the England squad.

The manager said the Brentford striker remains in with a chance of playing in the Euros next summer.

“Yeah without a doubt he could play at the Euros),” Southgate said.

“It is not ideal because he is going to miss a large chunk of the season and you don’t know after that sort of period out how physically he is going to adapt and how he is going to play.

“But it is possible for him. There would still be time. He has really impressed us with the way he has played and I like personality.

“I like his belief and the way he goes about his job. So everything is still possible with him I think.”

Southgate expressed his concern at Toney’s eight-month ban for gambling offences, primarily over the forward’s well-being.

“I have spoken with him. I don’t know if that’s allowed, by the way,” the England manager said, with Toney suspended from all football-related activity.

“If it isn’t then they can ban me and not add to his. Look, the ban is the ban. It is what it is. I think he recognised any accepted the punishment. What bothers me is we’ve got to look after people.

“He’s injured at the moment, what does he do about getting fit? How do we give him some structure over the next few months that he can develop himself or be a better person at the end of it or have experiences that he might not experience?

“I don’t like the idea that we just leave somebody so they are not allowed to be a part of the football community. I don’t think that’s how we should work, I don’t think that’s how the best rehabilitation programmes would work.

“But he knows that we picked him because we felt until there was a charge, he should be allowed to play. When he comes back, if he plays well then we’ll pick him.

“It won’t have any bearing but I think he’ll have additional motivation through what he is experiencing. I think he is a resilient guy with great character and we are here to support.”

England are sigificantly higher up in the Fifa world rankings than their opponents in the upcoming international break, however Southgate has selected a strong squad.

When asked about the decision, he said, reported by PA: “We have played North Macedonia twice at home and never beaten them. To be a top team, if we want to be European champions, we have got to nail big games – like we did in March – and make sure we nail the complicated ones.

“It is a good test of commitment and togetherness. This group don’t want to let each other down. We want to keep progressing as a team.”

Southgate on the decision to call up Eze, reported by PA: “We have liked him for a long time. I think he has finished the season really strongly. He can play in a couple of positions across the attacking line.

“He is a goal threat, he’s got nice ability and speed to go past people and can take people out of the game with his dribbling skills. We are looking forward to seeing him a bit closer.”