Gareth Southgate has named his squad for England’s upcoming friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley. However, some big names have failed to make the cut.
With 12 weeks until Euro 2024 kicks off in Germany, the England manager has been forced to leave out a number of standout players. Let’s take a look at the biggest omissions.
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Ollie Watkins is the only English to have scored more Premier League goals than Dominic Solanke this season. Despite racking up 15 goals in 28 games, the Bournemouth striker was snubbed by Southgate.
Ben White has played a key role in Arsenal’s title challenge this term, featuring in all but one of the Gunners’ matches. However, the versatile defender turned down the opportunity to represent his country.
With an impressive 82 caps to his name, Raheem Sterling can count himself unfortunate to have missed out on the latest squad. Let’s not forget that Sterling has notched 20 goals and 27 assists for his country.
In 2021, Kalvin Phillips was named England Men’s Player of the Year. Fast-forward to today – the Manchester City midfielder on loan at West Ham is not in Southgate’s plans with the Euros looming.
James Ward-Prowse has made 11 appearances for England, but the West Ham midfielder is not in the latest squad. Since swapping Southampton for the Hammers, the free-kick specialist has bagged five goals and 12 assists.
Granted, Fikayo Tomori has struggled with injury of late. But many believe that he deserves a place in the England squad. With England’s centre-back options limited, the AC Milan defender could do a job for Southgate.
Eberechi Eze made his senior international debut in June 2023. Despite scoring six goals in a struggling Crystal Palace team this season, the skilful playmaker was overlooked by Southgate this time around.
Although Rico Lewis hasn’t featured much for Man City in recent times, there is no denying that he is supremely talented. Having made his senior international debut back in November, the teenager is destined to go far.
Ross Barkley picked up the last of his England caps all the way back in 2019. The midfielder has notched four goals and three assists for Luton Town this term, but that wasn’t enough to earn him a call-up.