3 minutes Southgate, heeding the calls from fans and commentators, has excluded the 2021 England Player of the Year, despite having called him up for the last squad in November.
Kalvin Phillips has been left out of Gareth Southgate's squad for England's upcoming matches against Brazil and Belgium due to his recent dip in form.
After moving to West Ham on a temporary basis in January from Manchester City, where his playtime was limited, the 28-year-old has found it difficult to find his rhythm. Southgate, heeding the calls from fans and commentators, has excluded the 2021 England Player of the Year, despite having called him up for the last squad in November.
At a press conference on Thursday, Southgate remarked:
"We don't have many players of that profile. But unfortunately his form just hasn't been good enough. I've spoken to him and he understands."
In contrast, Phillips' West Ham colleague Jarrod Bowen has been selected again, following his impressive performance as a striker under David Moyes, contributing 17 goals and six assists across all competitions.
Bowen, formerly with Hull, is poised to score his first international goal during the games at Wembley on March 23 and 26.
In other news, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite has been given his inaugural call-up after becoming a vital player for Sean Dyche, alongside Anthony Gordon, his teammate from the England Under-21 team that won the Euro 2023, despite Gordon's slight knee injury.
Gordon's participation in Newcastle's upcoming FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester City is uncertain, yet the England team may still evaluate him with their medical staff.
Ezri Konsa of Aston Villa, who has been key in their Champions League qualification efforts, is looking to make his first appearance for the senior team after being an unused substitute in previous qualifiers.
Cole Palmer, a standout from last summer's Young Lions' Euro squad, has also earned a spot, proving to be a valuable asset for Chelsea with 15 goals and 11 assists in 36 games.
Joe Gomez makes a comeback to the England senior team after not playing under Southgate since 2020, prompting comments from Liverpool's Jurgen Klopp.
Ivan Toney of Brentford has been picked as well, following his return to action in January with four Premier League goals after a suspension for violating FA betting rules.
Lastly, despite suggestions to the contrary, 33-year-old Ajax midfielder Jordan Henderson has been included in the squad.
England Squad - March International Break
Goalkeepers
- Jordan Pickford
- Aaron Ramsdale
- Sam Johnstone
Defenders
- Harry Maguire
- John Stones
- Ezri Konsa
- Jarrad Branthwaite
- Lewis Dunk
- Joe Gomez
- Kyle Walker
- Ben Chilwell
Midfielders
- Jude Bellingham
- Declan Rice
- James Maddison
- Jordan Henderson
- Conor Gallagher
Forwards
- Harry Kane
- Ollie Watkins
- Ivan Toney
- Marcus Rashford
- Buakyo Saka
- Phil Foden
- Jarrod Bowen
- Cole Palmer
- Anthony Gordon
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