England Squad Analysis

Branthwaite and Gordon get the nod, Gomez is back, but White asks to be left out.

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The final international window before a major tournament is always a decent barometer of the players that will end up making the cut when the time comes.

On Thursday, Gareth Southgate named a 25-man squad — one short of the number he will be allowed to take to Euro 2024 — for England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium later this month.

Two new boys — Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon — have been called up for the first time, albeit the latter suffered a knee injury in Newcastle United’s loss to Chelsea on Monday, so it remains to be seen whether he will play.

Joe Gomez, meanwhile, has received his first call-up since 2020. The defender has impressed for Liverpool this season, in particularly with his versatility, having played at centre-back, right-back and left-back. Ivan Toney has also returned — he made his England debut in March of last year, before his eight-month suspension for breaching the FA’s betting regulations.

That versatility may well be required, with Luke Shaw having endured an injury-hit campaign, with his latest problem — a muscular issue — seeing the Manchester United full-back miss out of this selection.

There is no room for Ben White, though Southgate has revealed the Arsenal man withdrew from the selection process, while Kobbie Mainoo can consider himself highly unfortunate to miss out, especially given Southgate has not selected a full complement of players. Kalvin Phillips, meanwhile, has lost his place.

Here, More Than A Game breaks down England’s squad.

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GOALKEEPERS

Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

No real surprises here. Jordan Pickford is, by far and away, the best goalkeeper England have, while Nick Pope — the second-best English ‘keeper — is out injured.

Johnstone has tended to get the nod ahead of Dean Henderson, another England hopeful, for Crystal Palace this season, so his selection makes sense. Aaron Ramsdale is perhaps fortunate, given his lack of gametime for Arsenal (and his mistakes when he has played), though there are not many other options, at least until Pope returns to fitness.

DEFENDERS

Jarrad Branthwaite (Everton), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Lewis Dunk (Brighton and Hove Albion), Joe Gomez (Liverpool), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Two of Southgate’s big calls have come in defence. With Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Kieran Trippier all out injured, Gomez’s form has seen him earn a deserved recall. Should he maintain his level of performance over the rest of the campaign, the 26-year-old would seem a sensible pick for the Euros, too.

“It's firstly great to see him playing regularly at Liverpool. We love working with Joe, we're delighted to see him back playing and we look forward to seeing him.”

Southgate on Gomez

Branthwaite, meanwhile, has been well worthy of his maiden call up. The Everton defender has been hugely impressive for the Toffees. Quick, two-footed, excellent on the ball and possessing great height, Branthwaite seems a natural fit for international football.

“He’s played consistently well,” said Southgate. “Credit to Sean Dyche. He’s in on merit. We’re looking forward to having a look at him.”

Branthwaite was not a first-choice for England’s Under-21s when they won the Euros last year, but should he grasph his chance to impress, seems certain to head to Germany.

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Harry Maguire has kept his place, and was always going to under Southgate, though he is nursing an injury. Likewise, Ben Chilwell has a slight problem, though he is the only out-and-out left-back in this squad.

Ezri Konsa’s form for Aston Villa has not been quite as good as it was earlier in the campaign, but he has stayed in contention. His position might be one to watch for the summer, though, with Trippier, Shaw and Alexander-Arnold surely certain to return if they are fit.

Levi Colwill has a toe injury, though the Chelsea man should be behind Branthwaite in the pecking order. The same could be said for Marc Guehi, who is also injured, though Milan star Fikayo Tomori has never seemed to be a fit for Southgate.

A notable absentee, on form, is White. He signed a new deal with Arsenal this week, and has been a crucial part of the Gunners’ success so far this term. However, Southgate confirmed the former Brighton man asked not to be picked.

“We had a call from [Arsenal's sporting director] Edu last week saying Ben didn’t want to be considered for England squads at the moment,” Southgate said.

“I spoke to him post-Qatar and there was reticence from his side. I don’t know why that is, but I respect that. I leave the door open because he’s a good player. There is no issue between us at all and there’s also no issue with [assistant manager] Steve Holland, which has been mentioned in articles and I don’t like that.”

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MIDFIELDERS

Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Ajax), James Maddison (Tottenham), Declan Rice (Arsenal)