We asked Athletic’s England correspondent Jack Pitt-Brooke how they are shaping up ahead of this summer’s Euros.
Any surprise inclusions in the current squad?
Centre-backs Jarrad Branthwaite and Ezri Konsa are in, each with a big chance of making the plane to Germany, as Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon. Brentford striker Ivan Toney is recalled, meaning there is real competition for Ollie Watkins as Harry Kane’s backup.
Any surprise exclusions?
Raheem Sterling has not been involved since Qatar either and it looks as if his England career may be over. If there is a genuinely surprising omission it is Kalvin Phillips. As Southgate said last Thursday, his form there has not been good enough for him to be in.
What does the squad tell us about their preparation for the Euros?
It might have been easier for him to stick with established players he knows from the last few tournaments, such as Sterling and Phillips, or to bring back Eric Dier, but Southgate wants to keep learning even now, almost eight years into his tenure.
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