Gareth Southgate names England squad for Euro 2024 warm-up matches with Brazil and Belgium
Gareth Southgate has named his squad for the side’s upcoming Euro 2024 warm-up friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, with uncapped trio Anthony Gordon, Jarrad Branthwaite and Ezri Konsa 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.
There had been some question marks surrounding Jordan Henderson’s inclusion, 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.
This month’s heavyweight double-header represents the last chance players have to impress in England colours before Southgate announces his final party for this summer’s eagerly anticipated European Championships in Germany.
The squad size for the tournament will return to 23 players after the competing nations at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup entered with bumper 26-man squads.
The Three Lions first welcome Dorival Junior’s Brazil to Wembley on March 23 before entertaining Domenico Tedesco’s star-studded Belgium side three days later on March 26.
Ranked fifth and fourth respectively in the world, England’s opponents should provide a strong test as Southgate’s men look to build momentum heading into the Euros.
England – currently the bookies’ favourites to triumph in Germany – have been drawn against Slovenia, Denmark and Serbia in Group C ahead of this summer’s tournament.
Harry Kane and co sailed through qualifying with an unbeaten record in their group, winning six and drawing two of their eight matches, while scoring 22 and conceding just four goals.
Asked how difficult it was to omit Phillips, Southgate told reporters: ‘I think he knows exactly what we think of him. I think we’ve shown that support.
‘A good version of him is an important player for us and that’s why we’ve supported him in the way we have. We don’t have many players with that profile.
‘Unfortunately, his form just hasn’t been good enough and I’ve spoken to him about that. He understands.’
Southgate refused to close the door on Phillips’ potential’ return ahead of the European Championships but stressed that the midfielder’s form would have to improve.
‘He’s got all the attributes to force his way back in and we’re really keen for him to do that,’ the England manager added.
‘But I said towards the end of last year when we were picking squads, if we wasn’t playing at City then that was going to be a problem and he just needs to find that rhythm and confidence.
‘There’s an outstanding player in there and I’m sure he’ll find that.’