Key Considerations for Gareth Southgate Ahead of Thursday’s England Squad Announcement

England Squad Selection Dilemmas: Who Will Make the Cut?

Gareth Southgate is set to announce his latest England squad and as always, there are plenty of talking points surrounding his selections.

The Three Lions have important fixtures coming up – a Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine in Poland on September 9th, followed by a friendly match against Scotland on September 12th to commemorate their historic rivalry’s 150th anniversary.

This could be one of the final chances for players to impress before Southgate chooses his squad for the European Championship in Germany next summer. With his contract expiring in December 2024, this tournament may well be his last as England manager.

In previous squads, Southgate has relied on his tried and trusted players who delivered an impressive run to the Euro 2020 final and reached the quarter-finals at the World Cup in Qatar. During these tournaments, England showcased significant progress in their playing style.

Let’s take a look at some selection dilemmas that may arise this time around:

Jordan Henderson: A Change of Scenery

Jordan Henderson has been a crucial figure for England over the years but recently made a surprising move from Liverpool to Al-Ettifaq in Saudi Arabia. It remains unclear how this transfer will impact Henderson’s future with the national team as he adjusts to new surroundings.

Kalvin Phillips: Finding Game Time

In June, Kalvin Phillips expressed intentions of staying at Manchester City throughout the season. However, he has yet to feature in a single minute of play for his club so far this campaign. Southgate emphasized the importance of players performing at the highest level and facing challenges regularly. Phillips’ lack of game time may hinder his chances, but limited options in his position could work in his favor.

Eberechi Eze: A Rising Star

Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze made an impressive debut during the last international camp. He has been a standout performer for Palace this season and could retain his place in the squad as he aims to secure a spot in next summer’s Euros.

Harry Maguire: Struggles at Manchester United

Defender Harry Maguire has faced scrutiny recently due to his lack of playing time at Manchester United. Despite being a key player for Southgate, Maguire’s struggles with club minutes might prove hard to ignore when selecting the squad. Nevertheless, given John Stones’ injury absence, Maguire remains one of England’s most experienced center-backs.

Raheem Sterling: Fitness Concerns

Raheem Sterling is another trusted player under Southgate; however, he was excluded from the last two squads due to fitness issues. The 28-year-old winger holds great potential but needs to overcome these concerns to regain his place on the national team roster.

The forthcoming England squad announcement promises excitement and debate amongst football fans nationwide. As Southgate continues building consistency and aiming for success on both domestic and international stages, every selection carries significant weight.