Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Tom Cavilla

England squad confirmed as Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jordan Pickford decisions made

Gareth Southgate has named his 25-man squad for England's upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.

The Three Lions will face Malta on June 16 before hosting North Macedonia three days later at Wembley. England currently sit top of Group C with two wins from two.

Liverpool duo Jordan Henderson and Trent Alexander-Arnold have made the cut in Southgate's latest squad, with Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford also involved.

READ MORE: Everton new stadium roof takes shape as stunning video update released

READ MORE: Liverpool's player of the season award details as four-man shortlist drawn up

Alexander-Arnold's inclusion points towards a possible revival on the international stage, having struggled to date to earn the trust of the England manager. Previously pointing to the significant competition at right-back when explaining Alexander-Arnold's lack of minutes, the Liverpool defender's switch in position at club level could boost his chances of becoming a central figure at next year's Euros.

It was Southgate who first trialled utilising the 24-year-old in a midfield role, testing its effectiveness in a World Cup qualifier versus Andorra in September 2021, something Jurgen Klopp expressed his disapproval over when quizzed on the matter. "In this game, in a game where England are that dominant for example, or that we are that dominant that Trent could play in midfield, I would rather he was the six than in this case the eight," said the Reds' boss.

"That is possible but why would you make the best right-back in the world a midfielder? I don't understand that really. As if the right-back position is not as important as the others. People who say that I struggle to understand how you could think that."

Crystal Palace midfielder Eberechi Eze and Brighton defender Lewis Dunk have made the cut, meanwhile Raheem Sterling has missed out. There is also no place for Brentford forward Ivan Toney, who earned his first senior cap in March, after the forward's recent eight-month ban for betting from the FA.

Elsewhere, the squad that will represent England at the upcoming under-21s Euros and features two players from both Everton and Liverpool. Curtis Jones and Harvey Elliott will feature at the tournament this summer, with Blues duo Jarrad Branthwaite and James Garner also set to play a part.

25-man England squad in full:

Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (Crystal Palace), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)

Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Lewis Dunk (Brighton & Hove Albion), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kieran Trippier (Newcastle United), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)

Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Eberechi Eze (Crystal Palace), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), Declan Rice (West Ham United)

Forwards: Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), James Maddison (Leicester City), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Callum Wilson (Newcastle United)

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.