Gareth Southgate has recalled some old faces
Gareth Southgate has dropped Kalvin Phillips for England’s upcoming international friendlies against Belgium and Brazil.
Phillips has been one of Southgate’s most trusted servants and was in his most recent squad for the November fixtures against North Macedonia and Malta but has struggled for game time in the past year and has failed to perform in his loan spell at West Ham.
His West Ham teammate, Jarrod Bowen, meanwhile has been called up to the side after his impressive form, scoring 17 goals in 35 appearances across all competitions.
Southgate meanwhile has re-called Ivan Toney and Joe Gomez.
Gomez hasn’t played for England since featuring in the 3-0 win against Wales in 2020 and has been selected for his versatility given that Reece James, Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier are all injured.
Nick Pope is out injured and Aaron Ramsdale’s lack of game time at Arsenal means that Sam Johnstone
Toney will also be in line to feature in the two friendlies as he is named for the first time since returning from his eight-month ban from football for breaching The Football Association’s betting rules.
Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite has been handed his first call-up following his impressive season for Everton. Next to James Tarkowksi, he has helped the Toffees keep eight clean sheets in the Premier League. Anthony Gordon has also been named in the side after his excellent campaign for Newcastle United.
Jordan Henderson has also been included despite continuous calls to drop him from the squad while Harry Maguire is in despite facing injury concerns.
The England squad selected for March’s international fixtures:
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