Gareth Southgate announced his England squad earlier today ahead their World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and Hungary next week. There are no new faces to the squad but there are recalls for Aaron Ramsdale, Fikayo Tomori and Ollie Watkins.
I'm very surprised that Ollie Watkins was recalled because he's yet to score for Aston Villa this season and I wasn't expected him to get the call. But at the same time I can see why he's been recalled because Patrick Bamford and Dominic Calvert Lewin who were both recently called up are both injured. Aaron Ramsdale deserves his recall 100% because he's been a solid presence between the sticks since his move to Arsenal by making them more secure at the back. Like Watkins, Fikayo Tomori is a surprising inclusion as I wasn't expecting him to be in the squad. But at the same time I can understand why he's been included as Harry Maguire is out injured.
In terms of the rest of the squad, I'm surprised that Sam Johnstone is still included because I thought he would make way for Ramsdale instead of Nick Pope who I thought would keep his place. I'm also surprised that Jude Bellingham has missed out as he's been in great form for Borussia Dortmund this season. But after reading Gareth Southgate's comments following the squad announcement, I can see why Bellingham has been left out. Phil Foden was probably expected to return as he's been playing well for Man City since his return to the side plus he's had enough minutes in the tank to get recalled.
FULL ENGLAND SQUAD:
GOALKEEPERS: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal), Sam Johnstone (West Brom)
DEFENDERS: Kyle Walker (Man City), Kieron Trippier (Atletico Madrid), Reece James (Chelsea), Luke Shaw (Man United), John Stones (Man City), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Fikayo Tomori (AC Milan), Conor Coady (Wolves)
MIDFIELDERS: Declan Rice (West Ham), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Man City), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Jesse Lingard (Man United)
FORWARDS: Raheem Sterling (Man City), Jadon Sancho (Man United), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa)
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