Gareth Southgate has announced his 26-man England squad for the upcoming international games. Both of England’s games will be played at Wembley, with the first a friendly against Australia before the visit of Italy in a Group C Euro qualifier top-of-the-table clash.
Here are the five main talking points from the latest England squad…
No genuine left-back included
Embed from Getty ImagesThe most notable aspect of the squad is the exclusion of a conventional left-back. Both Ben Chilwell and Luke Shaw are currently sidelined through injury, with Southgate seemingly reluctant to take a chance on fringe players such as Tyrick Mitchell and Dan Burn, and Brentford’s Rico Henry would have been a viable option, but he is also ruled out long-term with a serious knee injury. However, Levi Colwill has been included and can play in the left-back position – as he illustrated so well during Chelsea’s 2-0 win over Fulham on Monday, assisting Mykhailo Mudryk’s opener and delivering a stellar defensive performance.
Ollie Watkins gets deserved call-up
Embed from Getty ImagesOne player who has arguably justified his selection more than anyone is Ollie Watkins. The Aston Villa striker has been pivotal to his side’s brilliant start to the season, scoring four goals and assisting three in just seven games. Watkins made his England debut back in March 2021 as a second-half substitute against San Marino and notched his first goal for his nation 20 minutes later. Harry Kane is obviously the key man up front for England, but Watkins is a serious option off the bench and now has the opportunity to further stake his claim for a spot in the Euro 2024 squad next year.
Henderson gets the nod over Ward-Prowse
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite the backlash that Jordan Henderson has received over recent months, he is once again selected by Southgate for the upcoming fixtures. Henderson completed a move from Liverpool to Saudi side Al-Ettifaq during the summer to reunite with former teammate Steven Gerrard. There are concerns that Henderson is not playing in an elite surrounding every week, thus raising concerns over his ability and match sharpness.
The former Liverpool captain was surplus to requirements on Merseyside in the summer after a dismal season at Anfield, but Southgate obviously still values the leadership qualities he brings to the England side. Perhaps because of Henderson’s inclusion, James Ward-Prowse – who has enjoyed a stellar start to his new life at West Ham – has not been included.
Saka incluced despite injury concern
Embed from Getty ImagesBukayo Saka’s inclusion in the squad is welcome news to England supporters. Saka was taken off in the 34th minute in Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to Lens in the Champions League on Wednesday and after the game, Mikel Arteta said the injury didn’t look good. The injury is seemingly not long-term though, given Saka’s has been selected by Southgate.
But from Arsenal’s perspective, there is still a race against time for their wonder boy to be fit for their mammoth tie against Manchester City at the Emirates on the weekend. Southgate also mentioned that Saka will undergo further tests to assess the severity of the injury.
No Raheem Sterling again
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite a promising start to the Premier League campaign, Raheem Sterling’s form has stagnated as a result of a string of disappointing performances from Chelsea. Sterling has netted just twice for the London club this season and was left out of the starting lineup in his side’s 2-0 win over Fulham on Monday having suffered with a virus prior to the game. Other than Harry Kane, Sterling boasts more appearances (82) than any other player currently in the England squad. His talent and experience playing at international level is invaluable to this England side, but the former Manchester City winger may need to prove his case further if he is to be picked for Euro 2024 next year.
