Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon have received their first England senior call-ups for this month’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, while Brentford striker Ivan Toney has been recalled.
Toney’s recall comes after returning to action in January following the completion of his eight-month Football Association ban for breaching betting rules. The 27-year-old has scored four goals in nine appearances for Brentford since his comeback.
But West Ham midfielder Kalvin Phillips has been left out of the 25-man squad by England boss Gareth Southgate after a torrid run of form since joining the Hammers on loan in January.
The Manchester City loanee was at fault for a goal on his debut against Bournemouth before he was sent off at Nottingham Forest last month and hooked at half-time of Sunday’s 2-2 draw at home to Burnley.
Southgate said: “I think he knows exactly what we think of him. A good version of him is an important player for us and that’s why we’ve supported him as we have.
“Unfortunately his form hasn’t been good enough and I’ve spoken to him about that. He understands.
Kalvin Phillips has endured a tough loan spell at West Ham so far
“He has all the attributes to force his way back in. He just needs to find that rhythm and confidence because there is an outstanding player in there.”
Phillips’ West Ham team-mate Jarrod Bowen has been recalled following his recent fine form, while Liverpool defender Joe Gomez is named in an England squad for the first time in four years.
But Southgate revealed Arsenal defender Ben White, who signed a new four-year contract with the Premier League leaders on Thursday, did not want to be considered for England squads “at the moment”.
White left England’s 2022 World Cup squad mid-tournament to return home for personal reasons and reports later emerged of an alleged bust-up with England assistant Steve Holland.
“I spoke to him post-Qatar and there was reticence from his side,” Southgate said. “I don’t know why that is, but I respect that. I leave the door open because he’s a good player.
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Football writers Sam Blitz and Pete Smith take a closer look at the form of Ben White and why he has earned himself a new contract at Arsenal.
“There is no issue between us at all and there’s also no issue with [assistant manager] Steve Holland, which has been mentioned in articles and I don’t like that.
“I have to accept things are false about me, but I’m not prepared for that to happen to my coaching team. That is not the reason Ben is not with us.”
Chelsea left-back Ben Chilwell has been called up despite a knee issue, but Blues team-mate Raheem Sterling was once again absent from the squad.
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Paul Merson discusses the tough decisions facing Gareth Southgate ahead of Euro 2024
Manchester United defender Harry Maguire has been included despite his muscle problem, but Manchester City’s Jack Grealish misses out due to a groin injury.
Meanwhile, Chelsea forward Cole Palmer and Aston Villa duo Ollie Watkins and Ezri Konsa retain their places in the squad.
With just three months to go until their Euro 2024 tournament opener against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen, England face a pair of high-profile warm-up friendlies at Wembley against Brazil on March 23 and Belgium on March 26.
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Sky Sports’ James Savundra, Peter Smith, and Nick Wright pick their England XIs for the opening game against Serbia at Euro 2024
This is the last camp before Southgate names his provisional Euros squad just after the Premier League season concludes, with the final selection to be submitted to UEFA on June 8.
Euro 2024 key dates
Remaining qualifying dates
March 21, 2024: play-off semi-finals
March 26, 2024: play-off finals
Final tournament
June 14, 2024: Euro 2024 opening game, Allianz Arena (Munich)
June 30 – July 2: Round of 16
July 5-6: Quarter-finals
July 9-10, 2024: Semi-finals
July 14, 2024: Euro 2024 final, Olympiastadion (Berlin)
England’s Euro 2024 fixtures
Sunday June 16 – Group C: Serbia vs England (Arena AufSchalke, Gelsenkirchen – kick-off 8pm UK time)
Thursday June 20 – Group C: Denmark vs England (Waldstadion, Frankfurt – kick-off 5pm UK time)
Tuesday June 25 – Group C: England vs Slovenia (RheinEnergieStadion, Cologne – kick-off 8pm UK time)
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