Trent Alexander-Arnold and Ben White have been dropped from Gareth Southgate’s latest England squad. While Ivan Toney has been called up for England’s upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.
The Three Lions begin their effort to qualify for next year’s tournament in Group C later this month. The English side will take on Italy on March 23 before meeting Ukraine three days later.
Although the Liverpool defender was added in the World Cup squad but that was only due to Reece James’ injury. However, he was never really used by Southgate in Qatar as the 24-year-old was a regular on bench.
And now he has been dropped from the squad amid yet another season of harsh criticism. Conversely, Arsenal’s White has been a consistent performer for the Gunners this season.
He has played a key role in the Gunners’ rise to the top of the Premier League standings. However, the 25-year-old has withdrawn from the World Cup due to personal issues.
The inclusions in the England squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers
While Chelsea duo James and Chilwell represent two of the four returning players following injury recoveries.
Crystal Palace center-back Marc Guehi returns, replacing Everton’s Conor Coady, who loses his spot after being banished to the Everton bench in recent weeks.
Further forward, Brentford talisman Toney, who was overlooked for a World Cup call-up, is included in lieu of Callum Wilson, while Raheem Sterling is not included due to a new hamstring injury.
Toney’s inclusion comes despite the striker’s admission that he violated FA betting rules, having been struck with as many as 262 accusations, but Southgate has insisted that Toney should be given his chance.
“There hasn’t been a trial yet or any judgement so I don’ know on what basis we wouldn’t pick him really. Ivan has been consistent throughout the season,”
Southgate told the media at Tuesday’s press conference.
“He is playing really well. I like his presence in games. I saw his game against Arsenal where he was outstanding and he deserves his opportunity.”
Elsewhere, James Maddison retains his place in the squad, while Kalvin Phillips has earned Southgate’s trust despite his lack of action for Manchester City in the 2022-23 season.
As expected, Harry Maguire gets selected ahead of AC Milan’s Fikayo Tomori, despite his bit-part performance for Manchester United this season, while Tyrone Mings is also absent.
The full squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle United), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), James Maddison (Leicester City), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (West Ham United)
Forwards: Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford)
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