England’s squad for their first two matches following the World Cup has been revealed. There have been only a few changes from the team that claimed fourth place in Russia this summer.
The biggest surprise is the omission of Ashley Young from the squad. Young played all of England’s matches at the tournament except both matches against Belgium. The 33-year old started in Manchester United’s loss against Brighton but was an unused substitute in the matches against Leicester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Instead, Luke Shaw got his first England call-up in almost 15 months. Shaw last played for England in a friendly against Germany last March. 21-year old Liverpool defender Joe Gomez also found a place in the squad. Another World Cup defender that misses out is Phil Jones and instead, Burnley’s James Tarkowski comes in.
A total of 8 midfielders are in the squad. All of the World Cup midfielders are in the squad as well as Adam Lallana. The forwards in the team are Harry Kane, Danny Welbeck and Marcus Rashford. All three played at the World Cup.
Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland and Alex McCarthy are the goalkeepers in the team.
England’s first match after the World Cup is a UEFA Nations League match against Spain at Wembley on September 8. Then, the Three Lions play Switzerland at the King Power Stadium on September 11.
England’s squad
Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford, Jack Butland, Alex McCarthy
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold , Joe Gomez, Harry Maguire, Danny Rose, Luke Shaw, John Stones, James Tarkowski, Kieran Trippier, Kyle Walker,
Midfielders: Dele Alli, Fabian Delph, Eric Dier, Jordan Henderson, Adam Lallana, Jesse Lingard, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Raheem Sterling
Forwards: Harry Kane, Marcus Rashford, Danny Welbeck
