Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate has done a commendable job in charge of the England national team since his appointment during the World Cup qualifications in 2016 as interim boss. Subsequently, he led the Three Lions to two FIFA World Cups in 2018 and 2022.
Under Southgate’s management, England reached the Euro 2020 finale but lost to Italy at home in the iconic Wembley Stadium. Nonetheless, they are now preparing for Euro 2024 in Germany, aiming to secure their first European championship. Ahead of March friendlies fixtures, his squad selection has raised questions among fans.
Gareth Southgate announces England squad for internationals
As the first FIFA international break of 2024 approaches, the England squad has officially unveiled a 25-man squad selected by Gareth Southgate to prepare for Euro 2024. This includes two exhilarating friendly clashes against international heavyweights: South American giants Brazil and European powerhouse Belgium, scheduled for this month.
The list includes much anticipated names such as Chelsea star Cole Palmer, Ollie Watkins, and Ivan Toney making it into the squad. Everton center-back Jarrad Branthwaite and Newcastle United winger Antony Gordon have earned their maiden senior team call-ups. Meanwhile, notable omissions include players like Kalvin Phillips and James Ward-Prowse.
A few notable figures, such as Jack Grealish, Chelsea captain Reece James, and full-backs Luke Shaw and Kieran Trippier, have all missed out on selection due to injuries. Meanwhile, the upcoming games will be the last chance for players to secure their place in the Euro 23-man squad set to travel to Germany.
England squad list:
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Sam Johnstone, Aaron Ramsdale
Defenders: Lewis Dunk, Joe Gomez, Ezri Konsa, Jarrad Branthwaite, Ben Chilwell, Harry Maguire, John Stones, Kyle Walker
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham, Conor Gallagher, Jordan Henderson, James Maddison, Declan Rice
Forwards: Jarrod Bowen, Phil Foden, Anthony Gordon, Marcus Rashford, Harry Kane, Cole Palmer, Bukayo Saka, Ivan Toney, Ollie Watkins
Fans left unimpressed with Gareth Southgate’s squad selection
There has been scrutiny over the selection of former Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson. Recently, he returned to Europe to join Ajax after a complicated six-month stint with the Saudi Pro League outfit, Al-Ettifaq. Fans have even called out his inclusion, suggesting that Gareth Southgate favors Henderson for picking him over other deserving candidates.
“I think Henderson has a sextape of Gareth Southgate in his phone that why he canāt drop him š”, wrote one fan.
Another posted this meme:
“What is this obsession with Henderson š¤£š¤£š¤£”, tweeted another fan.
Additionally, the absence of Arsenal defender Ben White from the squad has been a notable decision by the Three Lions boss. However, Southgate claimed that one of the top performers for the Gunners had informed them of his non-availability and did not want to be considered for the national team call-up.
