Gareth Southgate has overlooked Raheem Sterling for the latest England squad, but has handed a first senior call up to Arsenal striker Eddie Nketiah.
The Chelsea forward was expected to be a shoo-in after a blistering start to the 2023-24 season with the Blues, but has been left out of the 26-man squad in favour of Crystal Palace attacker Eberechi Eze.
Meanwhile, there is a first call up for U21 record goalscorer Eddie Nketiah, who has scored twice in three games for Arsenal this season.
The England boss was naming his Three Lions squad for the upcoming clashes with Ukraine and Scotland, with England facing the Eastern European side in a bid to continue their 100% record in EURO2024 qualifying before a friendly against the Scots.
Currently top of the group with four wins from four, a win will take England a step closer to a spot in next summer’s tournament, and Southgate has opted for experience over form in his side.
Despite saying in June that Harry Maguire could not rely on his England place without playing regular football, the Manchester United outcast is included once more in Southgate’s squad, with injuries to Tyrone Mings and John Stones reducing his options for experienced defenders.
2G4NYB5 England’s Harry Maguire (left) and John Stones in discussion during the UEFA Euro 2020 Group D match at Wembley Stadium, London. Picture date: Tuesday June 22, 2021. (Alamy Stock Photo)
Defensive issues have handed Levi Colwill a chance to impress, with the Chelsea defender set to shake off an injury picked up against Wimbledon in the Carabao Cup second round on Wednesday night to take part in the upcoming Three Lions games.
Also named in the squad is Jordan Henderson, who completed a controversial move to Saudi Arabia over the summer.
Gareth Southgate’s England squad in full
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Aaron Ramsdale, Sam Johnstone
Defenders: Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Harry Maguire, Levi Colwill, Marc Guehi, Lewis Dunk, Fikayo Tomori, Ben Chilwell
Midfielders: Declan Rice, Jordan Henderson, Jude Bellingham, Kalvin Phillips, James Maddison, Conor Gallagher
Forwards: Harry Kane, Callum Wilson, Eddie Nketiah, Marcus Rashford, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Eberechi Eze
England face Ukraine on September 9th before a game against Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday September 12th.