Gareth Southgate approach Euro 2024 as one of the tournament favourites (Picture: Getty)
England head coach Gareth Southgate has named his 25-man squad for the side’s Euro 2024 warm-up friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, with uncapped trio Anthony Gordon, Jarrad Branthwaite and Ezri Konsa in line to make their debuts.
Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer and Brentford striker Ivan Toney also make the cut, while West Ham midfielder Kalvin Phillips, capped 31 times and one of England’s top performers at Euro 2020, misses out.
There had been some question marks surrounding Jordan Henderson’s inclusion, but the ex-Liverpool captain has been given the nod despite his struggles with Ajax since cutting short a widely condemned spell with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq.
Meanwhile, Arsenal defender Ben White has asked Southgate not to be considered for selection and Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo will have to wait for his first call-up.
This month’s heavyweight double-header represents the last chance players have to impress in England colours before Southgate announces his final party for this summer’s eagerly anticipated European Championships in Germany.
The squad size for the tournament will return to 23 players after the competing nations at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup entered with bumper 26-man squads.
The Three Lions first welcome Dorival Junior’s Brazil to Wembley on March 23 before entertaining Domenico Tedesco’s star-studded Belgium side three days later on March 26.
Ranked fifth and fourth respectively in the world, England’s opponents should provide a strong test as Southgate’s men look to build momentum heading into the Euros.
England’s 25-man squad to face Brazil and Belgium
Goalkeepers
Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace); Jordan Pickford (Everton); Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders
Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton); Ben Chilwell (Chelsea); Lewis Dunk (Brighton); Joe Gomez (Liverpool); Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa); Harry Maguire (Manchester United); John Stones (Manchester City); Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders
Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid); Conor Gallagher (Chelsea); Jordan Henderson (Ajax); James Maddison (Tottenham); Declan Rice (Arsenal)
Forwards
Jarrod Bowen (West Ham); Phil Foden (Manchester City); Anthony Gordon (Newcastle); Harry Kane (Bayern Munich); Cole Palmer (Chelsea); Marcus Rashford (Manchester United); Bukayo Saka (Arsenal); Ivan Toney (Brentford); Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
England – currently the bookies’ favourites to triumph in Germany – have been drawn against Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia in Group C ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Harry Kane and co sailed through qualifying with an unbeaten record in their group, winning six and drawing two of their eight matches, while scoring 22 and conceding just four goals.
There is no place for West Ham midfielder Phillips in Southgate’s squad (Picture: Getty)
Asked how difficult it was to omit Phillips from his current plans, Southgate told reporters: ‘I think he knows exactly what we think of him. I think we’ve shown that support.
‘A good version of him is an important player for us and that’s why we’ve supported him in the way we have. We don’t have many players with that profile.
‘Unfortunately, his form just hasn’t been good enough and I’ve spoken to him about that. He understands.’
Arsenal defender White has asked not to be considered for England selection (Picture: Getty)
Southgate refused to close the door on Phillips’ potential’ return ahead of the European Championships but stressed that the midfielder’s form would have to improve.
‘He’s got all the attributes to force his way back in and we’re really keen for him to do that,’ the England manager added.
‘But I said towards the end of last year when we were picking squads, if we wasn’t playing at City then that was going to be a problem and he just needs to find that rhythm and confidence.
‘There’s an outstanding player in there and I’m sure he’ll find that.’
Branthwaite has excelled at the heart of Everton’s defence this season (Picture: Getty)
The England boss believes 21-year-old defender Branthwaite deserves great ‘credit’ for forcing his way into the squad after an eye-catching breakout season with Everton under Sean Dyche.
‘He’s played consistently well. We watched him as a back-up centre-half at the Under-21 finals last year and if you’d have told me he would play as consistently well at a Premier League level as he has, then I’d question that last summer,’ he explained.
‘Great credit to him and Sean that he’s given a young centre-half an opportunity.
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‘He’s good with the ball, shows good composure, good mentality, he’s a left-footer and we don’t have many left-footed defenders.
‘He’s in on merit and we’re really keen to work with him and find out more about him.’
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