ENGLAND fans want answers from Gareth Southgate over three “laughable” inclusions in his latest squad.
The Three Lions gaffer has announced his squad for next Friday’s friendly with Australia, which will be followed up by a Euro 2024 qualifier against Italy on Tuesday.
GETTYGareth Southgate named his latest England squad on Thursday[/caption]
Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips have been included in the squad – despite their lack of first-team footballRICHARD PELHAM
MARC ASPLANDJordan Henderson is also in the squad[/caption]
The inclusions of Jordan Henderson, Harry Maguire and Kalvin Phillips raised eyebrows among the Wembley faithful.
And several fans took to Twitter to question Southgate’s decision-making after seeing their names in his squad list.
One Three Lions supporter tweeted: “Shambles that Henderson and Phillips are in the squad over JWP (James Ward-Prowse).
“And Maguire…! It’s just laughable.”
Another said: ” What a joke that [Ezri] Konsa isn’t in the England squad.
“Especially when Harry Mcguire is still getting picked.”
And another said: “Southgate’s England selections sometimes needs to be questioned Maguire remains in the team.
“Southgate not keeping to his word. Ward-Prowse’s missing, says a lot of Southgate.”
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THE FAGareth Southgate’s latest England squad[/caption]
One remarked: “Conor Gallagher and no Ward-Prowse. Ah good old Southgate.”
Another chimed in: “Southgate picking his mates again.”
The anger at the inclusion of the ageing Henderson stems from his playing in the less-than-competitive Saudi Pro League.
The uproar in Maguire and Kalvin Phillips’ respective inclusions. meanwhile, is the result of neither man being regular starters for Manchester United and Manchester City.
The main headlines from Southgate’s latest squad are the call-ups forWest Ham and Aston Villa stars Jarrod Bowen and Ollie Watkins.
Southgate said of Watkins: “Ollie has started the season well and has hit a bit of scoring form in the last couple of weeks.
ALAMYBukayo Saka has also been included in the squad – despite suffering an injury midweek[/caption]
“Although you have to be careful with that in terms of bias on recent games.
“But he is in good form and is coming in on a high.”
Southgate has also called up Arsenal ace Bukayo Saka, despite him suffering an injury in the Gunners’ midweek Champions League defeat to Lens.
The England boss said of the winger, who Mikel Arteta will be hoping is fit for Sunday’s clash with Man City: “He is still being assessed and he obviously has a big game this weekend.
“And then there is another seven days before we play Australia and 10 days before we play Italy.”