England boss Gareth Southgate has named his latest squad for the upcoming friendlies with Switzerland and Ivory Coast, with Southampton’s James Ward-Prowse included.
England boss Gareth Southgate has named his Three Lions squad for the upcoming friendlies with Switzerland and Ivory Coast, which are set to take place at Wembley later this month.
Southgate has included Southampton captain James Ward-Prowse in his squad, but there is no place for Kyle Walker-Peters, despite his impressive form for Saints in recent weeks. The 24-year-old has been a standout performer for Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men, performing well at both right-back and left-back.
Hasenhuttl has said that Walker-Peters’ versatility may enhance his chances of earning a first call-up to the senior England squad, having proved himself capable on both sides of a back four. Indeed, Hasenhuttl had said that having more strings to your bow can only be a benefit for the likes of Walker-Peters and his England ambitions.
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“It is never a disadvantage if you can play more positions on a high level,” Hasenhuttl added.
“It always helps every player, this is what I always say. I have seen so often players change positions in their career because they have so much quality to play in different positions and this is always helpful for you as a player.”
But it has not been enough to land him a call from Southgate this time around. The England boss has named Liverpool defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, Chelsea’s Reece James and Manchester United’s Luke Shaw as his full-backs in the squad. Shaw is the only recognised left-back named in the squad.
Southgate has also named Arsenal defender Ben White in his squad, along with Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, who earns his first senior international call-up.
The other defenders selected are Wolves’ Conor Coady, Aston Villa’s Tyrone Mings, Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, and Manchester City’s John Stones.
Full England squad:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Burnley), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Conor Coady (Wolves), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), Ben White (Arsenal).
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Dortmund), Conor Gallagher (Crystal Palace, on loan from Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton).
Forwards: Tammy Abraham (Roma), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Emile Smith Rowe (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City).
By: Rob Warlow
