Yesterday afternoon, Gareth Southgate named his squad for the Nations League games against Croatia and Spain. It is a particularly youthful squad. Leicester’s James Maddison, Borussia Dortmund winger Jadon Sancho and Derby County youngster Mason Mount are all receiving their first England call-ups. Nathaniel Chalobah, of Watford, also adds to the youthful element of the squad, while Ross Barkley and Harry Winks have both been recalled.
Southgate Selects Youth
The Youngsters Deserving of a Call-Up
Jadon Sancho has been particularly impressive so far this season. He has one goal and five assists in six games so far in this campaign. Those stats are impressive considering he has featured as a sub in all six of those games. It is evident that Sancho is going to be a very important player for England and future club sides. His move to Borussia Dortmund has suited him fantastically. It has allowed him to get game time, which he might not have got if he had stayed at Manchester City. At only 18-years-old it may be too early for him, but featuring regularly for one of the biggest clubs in Europe must prove he is ready.
James Maddison has also been impressive so far this season. He has begun his debut season in the Premier League in tremendous form. The attacking midfielder has three goals and two assists in seven games so far this season. Maddison is the most likely to feature in the upcoming games for England as he suits Southgate’s 3-5-2 system better. Maddison can play in one of the two central attacking midfielder roles should he feature. With Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard not in the squad, Maddison will be looking to impress Gareth Southgate.
Dubious Call-ups?
Mason Mount is the one of two that would have surprised many England fans. The 19-year-old has been in good form for his Derby side in the Championship, with three goals and one assist in 11 games. However, it is his first full season playing in England. It is too early for him to be called up and he needs more experience in higher leagues. That being said, this call up may be for him to get experience more than game time.
Nathaniel Chalobah also receives another chance to make his senior England debut. The Watford midfielder was selected last September for games against Malta and Slovakia but did not feature. It is seems to be a strange call up. Chalobah has only featured three times for Watford so far this season, two of which were in the Carabao Cup. However, many England fans will be pleased to see so many young faces in the England side.
Who Else Has Been Selected?
The rest of the squad is pretty familiar. The likes of Jordan Pickford, Harry Maguire and Harry Kane all feature. They have become England fans favourites since their outstanding performances at the World Cup. Joe Gomez has been named again in the England squad after his impressive start to the season. Gomez would most likely feature on the right hand side of Southgate’s back three.
However, as always, there are some questionable call-ups. Ross Barkley and Harry Winks have both been recalled to the England squad. Barkley has mainly featured from the bench for Chelsea this campaign, and only has one assist to his name. Winks has also mainly featured from the bench for Spurs and is yet to register a goal or assist.
Strangely, once again, Danny Welbeck has been named in the England squad. There must be Southgate sees in him, as many England fans believe he is undeserving of a call up. Welbeck is yet to start for Arsenal in the league and features more for Arsenal in Europe and cup games.
It can only be encouraging to see how many young players Gareth Southgate selects with every squad he selects. While it may take time to develop them, it will be beneficial in the long run.
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