England head coach, Gareth Southgate has unveiled his 25-man squad for his team’s Euro 2024 warm-up friendlies against Brazil and Belgium.
Southgate named uncapped trio Anthony Gordon, Jarrad Branthwaite and Ezri Konsa in the list in line to make their debuts.
Chelsea attacker Cole Palmer and Brentford striker Ivan Toney also make the cut, while West Ham midfielder Kalvin Phillips, capped 31 times and one of England’s top performers at Euro 2020, misses out.
Jordan Henderson’s inclusion has raised eyebrows but the ex-Liverpool captain has been given the nod despite his struggles with Ajax since cutting short a widely condemned spell with Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ettifaq.
However, Arsenal defender Ben White has asked Southgate not to be considered for selection and Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo will have to wait for his first call-up.
The two heavyweight friendlies will help Southgate make his final list for this summer’s eagerly anticipated European Championships in Germany.
The squad size for the tournament will be reduced to 23 players after the competing nations at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup entered with bumper 26-man squads.
England will face Brazil at Wembley on March 23 before taking on Belgium three days later on March 26.
Here is England’s 25-man squad to face Brazil and Belgium:
Goalkeepers:
Sam Johnstone, Crystal Palace; Jordan Pickford, Everton; Aaron Ramsdale, Arsenal
Defenders:
Jarrad Branthwaite, Everton; Ben Chilwell, Chelsea; Lewis Dunk, Brighton; Joe Gomez, Liverpool; Ezri Konsa, Aston Villa; Harry Maguire, Manchester United; John Stones, Manchester City; Kyle Walker, Manchester City.
Midfielders:
Jude Bellingham,nReal Madrid; Conor Gallagher, Chelsea; Jordan Henderson, Ajax; James Maddison, Tottenham; Declan Rice,.Arsenal.
Forwards:
Jarrod Bowen, West Ham; Phil Foden, Manchester City; Anthony Gordon, Newcastle; Harry Kane, Bayern Munich; Cole Palmer, Chelsea; Marcus Rashford, Manchester United; Bukayo Saka, Arsenal; Ivan Toney, Brentford; Ollie Watkins, Aston Villa.
