England manager, Southgate has named his squad for the Nations League fixtures, as notable names such as Arsenal’s winger, Bukayo Saka and Aston Villa star, Jack Grealish missed the cut.
The likes of Harry Maguire who still has a case in Greece for allegedly hitting a Police officer and Tammy Abraham, Mount, Greenwood, Kalvin Phillips, all made the 24-man squad list released on Tuesday 25th August 2020.
Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips, Manchester City’s Phil Foden and Manchester United’s Mason Greenwood were called up to the national team for the first time. While Southampton’s Danny Ings is recalled for the first time since making his international debut five years ago.
England squad for Nations League fixtures are:
Goalkeepers:
Jordan Pickford (Everton),
Nick Pope (Burnley),
Dean Henderson (Manchester United)
Defenders:
Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool),
Joe Gomez (Liverpool),
Michael Keane (Everton),
Harry Maguire (Manchester United),
Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa),
Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid),
Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders:
Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur),
Phil Foden (Manchester City),
Mason Mount (Chelsea),
Kalvin Phillips (Leeds United),
James Ward-Prowse (Southampton),
Declan Rice (West Ham United),
Harry Winks (Tottenham Hotspur)
Forwards:
Tammy Abraham (Chelsea),
Mason Greenwood (Manchester United),
Danny Ings (Southampton),
Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur),
Marcus Rashford (Manchester United),
Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund),
Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
The 24-man squad list for the Nations League fixtures are against Iceland on September 5 and Denmark on September 8.
This will be England’s first game since last November, when they beat Kosovo 4-0.
Explaining Maguire’s inclusion, Southgate said: ‘I’ve spoken with Harry, I have the insight to the story which is very different to what’s being reported.
‘You can only make decisions on facts you’re aware of… If facts and info change, I’ll have to review the decision.’
Asked about his decision to call-up Greenwood and Foden, Southgate said:
‘They have been involved with England in the junior teams so they are used to coming here and being part of an England team.
‘This is a step up for them for sure but they are both more than capable. They’ve played in big matches for big clubs and have shown they are talented boys.
‘They are hugely exciting players and will be a big part of England’s future I think.’ Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish and Manchester United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka both miss out despite impressive seasons, while Liverpool’s title-winning duo Jordan Henderson and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are ruled out through injury.