Euro Qualifiers 2024: Alexander-Arnold and Raheem Sterling miss out on England's squad

Harry Maguire and Kalvin Philips have been called up for the season.

The likes of Brentford striker Ivan Toney, Manchester United defender Harry Maguire and Manchester City midfielder Kalvin Philips have been called up in the 25-man England squad. Some of the notable names who've missed out this time are Chelsea's Raheem Sterling, Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold and Arsenal's Ben White, who've been omitted due to injury problems & poor performances throughout the season respectively. Other players who've not been selected but have been part of the World Cup England set-up include Everton defender Conor Coady and Newcastle United's Callum Wilson.

Depth in every position

Some of the prominent names back in the Three Lions squad after a significant amount of absence due to injuries include Chelsea's full-back duo of Ben Chilwell and Reece James, who've featured regularly for their club side in the Premier League and Champions League. Despite being shrouded in some off-field controversy, veteran full-back Kyle Walker of Manchester City has also been included, besides the in-form Newcastle right-back Keiran Trippier, who has five assists & a goal for his club. Gareth Southgate mentioned that "Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier were the ones who played at the World Cup and Reece James coming back is another top player. We'd love to have that depth in every position on the field, really." in his press conference.

The in-form forwards who've been included are England captain and Tottenham Hotspur's Harry Kane, who's been amongst the goals in the recent matches, and has 20 goals in all competitions for Spurs. Marcus Rashford, arguably the most in-form striker in the Premier League and back-to-back Player of the Month winner has been selected. He scored five goals in four matches in February and helped his side up to third place in the league.

Table toppers Arsenal also has representation in the selection of forward Bukayo Saka, who's been a revelation for the London club, he has nine assists in the Premier League, 2nd most behind Kevin De Bruyne, besides his 10 goals. Brentford's in-form forward Ivan Toney has been selected after scoring 16 goals in the Premier League, third most behind England teammate Kane on 20 goals and top scorer Erling Haaland, on 28.

Despite being found guilty on gambling charges, his selection was justified by the England manager saying "He is playing for his club and available for them. There hasn't been a trial or any judgement so I don't know on what basis we wouldn't pick him. Ivan has been consistent across the season. He is playing well. I like his presence in games."

The England team take on European champions Italy on Thursday (23rd March) in Naples, followed by Ukraine at Wembley Stadium, London on Sunday (26th March).

Squad

Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Nick Pope, Aaron Ramsdale

Defenders: Ben Chilwell, Eric Dier, Marc Guehi, Reece James, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, John Stones, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, James Maddison, Mason Mount, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice

Forwards: Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney