Gareth Southgate is once again being lambasted by outraged fans, as Twitter reacts to his latest England squad ahead of the upcoming intentional break.
“I never pick on reputation – form has to come into it.”
Those were the words of Gareth Southgate in his very first interview as England manager in 2017. Fast-forward to Thursday afternoon, and fans are once again left bemused at a handful of his selections, which are in direct contrast to those comments made six years ago.
Speaking on Ollie Watkins’ inclusion – who has undoubtedly warranted being reinstated in the squad after four goals in as many games in September – Southgate said: ” You have to be careful because you can’t just go on recency bias when you’re looking at selection.”
This very big point seems to be widening the gap between Southgate and England fans, who are growing increasingly tired of seeing players selected who have next-to-no form, or even minutes for their club sides.
Harry Maguire, who has 116 minutes under his belt this term, alongside Kalvin Phillips who has slightly more at 167, are the obvious targets on social media, as Twitter reacts to the latest squad selection.
James Ward-Prowse, who has eight goal involvements in as many appearances for West Ham this term, was once again left out with Phillips and now-Saudi Pro League player Jordan Henderson preferred.
England squad
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone, Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: John Stones, Levi Colwill, Lewis Dunk, Marc Guehi, Harry Maguire, Fikayo Tomori, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker, Trent Alexander-Arnold
Midfielders: Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Kalvin Phillips, Declan Rice
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, James Maddison, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane, Eddie Nketiah, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Ollie Watkins
See how Twitter (now known as X) is reacting to Southgate’s latest team selection below.
James Ward-Prowse has NOT been called up to the England squad by Gareth Southgate. 🏴❌
He’s been directly involved in 8 goals in 8 games for West Ham this season. ⚒️
That is incredibly harsh. pic.twitter.com/Ws58gP1Xb1
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) October 5, 2023
Gareth Southgate after picking Maguire and Phillips pic.twitter.com/VyY1H6YGTi
— Ezra (@UTDEzra_) October 5, 2023
Southgate picking the England squad pic.twitter.com/1OTf79L8ed
— Sam 🔴⚪️ (@Saint_Sam_) October 5, 2023
Southgate has done it again 🤯 pic.twitter.com/yGBhAcAjwx
— Polo (@cfc_polo) October 5, 2023
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