Top seven players exempted from England’s squad for March football international break

Published at :March 15, 2024 at 7:41 PM

Modified at :March 15, 2024 at 7:41 PM

(Courtesy : England Football Team)

Several high-profile players have not been selected for the upcoming international break.

England men’s national football team recently announced its squad for the upcoming March international break. Interestingly, the list of players did not include some notable individuals who many expected to be part of the team as the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament approaches.

Gareth Southgate, the head coach, has picked a team comprising players with experience and youthful exuberance, striking a perfect balance.

However, many advocates of certain individuals argue that the players Gareth Southgate did not select deserved a chance. The following seven individuals have been playing impressively in domestic and continental club competitions and therefore, rightly expected a national team callup and represent their country on the international stage.

As the English national team prepares for the upcoming international break, here is a look at the top seven players who have been exempted from the squad:

Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo’s emergence as one of Manchester United’s key players this season has taken the world of football by surprise. The 18-year-old has outshined players like Casemiro, Scott McTominay and others in MUFC’s midfield and deserved a national team call-up due to his consistency. However, the midfielder did not receive Southgate’s favour as the head coach preferred more experienced players over him.

Kalvin Phillips

Kalvin Phillips has been exempted from the upcoming international break after suffering a rough patch of form in domestic football for West Ham United. The midfielder impressed for England during the UEFA Euro 2020 but he needs to convince Southgate further who credited the player’s “bad form” for his exclusion from the squad.

Ben White

Ben White’s stance of not wanting to be selected for the upcoming international break in March caused quite a controversy. As a result of his request, the Arsenal FC defender was exempted from the England squad. Gareth Southgate was particularly disappointed by White’s stance. “The shame is that he’s a player I like” he expressed.

Incidentally, White left the England camp for the World Cup 2022 early due to an altercation with assistant Steve Holland.

Harvey Elliott

Harvey Elliott has been a key contributor to Liverpool FC’s success in the 2023-24 season. The 20-year-old has featured heavily for the Reds across all competitions. His energy and willingness to contribute in attack from the midfield make him an ideal player to bring from the bench.

However, Gareth Southgate did not deem his ready enough for the senior squad and he might be called up to represent the England U21 side instead.

Ross Barkley

Ross Barkley has emerged as one of the most consistent and impactful players for newly promoted Luton Town in the Premier League. The former Everton and Chelsea FC player has found a new lease of life at the club, playing a crucial role for the side.

A huge section of the English fans wanted him to be part of the side but Gareth Southgate instead chose a reliable figure like Jordan Henderson in the same profile.

Jack Grealish

Jack Grealish is one of the notable absentees from the English squad for the international break. His exclusion falls mainly due to his injury concerns. The Manchester City winger could not participate in the Manchester derby either and Gareth Southgate would not want to risk bringing him to action too soon ahead of the UEFA Euros 2024.

Dominic Solanke

Dominic Solanke’s exemption from the England squad for the March 2024 international break raised plenty of eyebrows. The striker has 15 goals in the ongoing Premier League campaign, the third highest behind Erling Haaland and Ollie Watkins. Ivan Toney gets the nod ahead of the Bournemouth forward and returns to the Three Lions after a year.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.