Gareth Southgate announces England squad for September internationals
England manager Gareth Southgate has announced his 25 man squad for the World Cup treble header.
Leeds striker Patrick Bamford, 27, may have missed out on this year’s Euros but has been called up for the September internationals.
On Bamford’s call up, Southgate said: “There was an opportunity for us in the forward areas and now is an opportunity for Patrick.
“His progress with Leeds has been excellent, he was very close at the end of last season. We worked with him at under-21 level so we know him anyway and it is a special moment for his family.”
Trent Alexander-Arnold returns to the group, having missed the Euros through injury and there is also a recall for Jesse Lingard.
Ben Chilwell and Mason Greenwood are also absent from the squad.
Ben White is also absent and Marcus Rashford and Phil Foden are both missing through injury.
Gareth Southgate names a 25-man squad for England’s games against Hungary, Andorra and Poland. Pope, Alexander-Arnold, Lingard and Bamford come in having not been in Euro 2020 squad. No Ramsdale, White, Chilwell, Foden, Rashford. pic.twitter.com/dqC09hHVLU
— James Olley (@JamesOlley) August 26, 2021
Southgate explained the process he went through with his coaches following the Euros defeat.
“We were into the office the following week reviewing the whole tournament,” he said. “Of course the final was fresh in everyone’s mind, but you have to review everything.”
He also added that Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka were eager to “move on”.
Southgate said: “I was in touch with all three of them the days after the final and their clubs were in touch as well.
“They know there is support if they need it, but they are also keen to move on. It is a fresh season with fresh challenges. They are exciting young players with an exciting time ahead of them.”
England kicks off their World Cup qualification bid with a triple-header against Hungary, Andorra and Poland.
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