Southgate names England squad for friendlies
England coach Gareth Southgate has handed a debut call-up to two players for his squad for forthcoming friendly games against Brazil and Belgium.
Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon and Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite received their first call-ups, while Jarrod Bowen, Ivan Toney and Joe Gomez have earned recalls.
Paris Saint-Germain's Achraf Hakimi (L) competes with Newcastle United's Anthony Gordon during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Newcastle United at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, France, on Nov. 28, 2023. (Xinhua/Gao Jing)
However, there is no place for midfielder Kalvin Phillips, who has struggled for form following his loan move from Manchester City to West Ham in January.
"I think he knows exactly what we think of him. A good version of him is an important player for us. We don't have many players of that profile. Unfortunately, his form just hasn't been good enough. I've spoken to him, he knows that," said Southgate about Phillips.
The coach added that 21-year-old Branthwaite had been playing "consistently well" and was "in on merit."
Following is the full Squad:
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Jarrad Branthwaite, Ben Chilwell, Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, James Maddison, Declan Rice
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins.