Gareth Southgate has just picked his 26-man squad for the Euro 2024 qualifiers that continue next weekend. England fans are delighted with some picks but are ultimately furious with others.
Starting with the positives, Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah has been given his first England call-up after scoring two goals in the opening three matches. Chelsea’s Levi Colwill has also been given a call-up, he was part of the U-21 squad that won the Euros for England this summer. Trent Alexander-Arnold looks to be playing a midfield role that fans agree is his best position.
Other usual standout performers like Kyle Walker, Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham and Bayern Munich’s new signing Harry Kane have all been chosen.
The negatives for fans is that Southgate is sticking to his favourites list. Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips have both earned a spot in the squad despite playing zero minutes so far this season for their respected clubs. Jimmy_MUFC on X wrote; “Embarrassing that Maguire and Phillips get in without playing a minute for their clubs this season. Southgate needs to stop picking his favourites”. One West Ham fan was left bemused on X as he couldn’t believe that James Ward-Prowse and Jarrod Bowen didn’t receive a call-up. Another fan was bewildered that Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins didn’t receive a call-up.
Your #ThreeLions squad for September camp! 🦁
— England (@England) August 31, 2023
Raheem Sterling is another player without a spot despite having a wonderful start to the season with two goals to his name. This is also peculiar as Sterling is a player who is usually guaranteed a place as his performances for England in the past have been nothing short of excellent.
Ben White also is without a place. During the World Cup he left the England camp after an alleged bust-up with Steve Holland. That rumour was put to bed as it was reported he actually left for ‘personal reasons’. But surely his absence from the squad should raise those rumours again.
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