Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard have been left out of the England squad for the European Championships qualifiers against the Czech Republic and Bulgaria.
Three Key Absentees As England Announce Squad
Dele Alli, Jesse Lingard and Kyle Walker Miss Out
England boss Gareth Southgate has named a young and talented 25-man squad for the upcoming qualifiers.
However, the Three Lions Chief has left a number of high-profile players out of his squad in place of several younger stars.
Manchester United winger Lingard, Tottenham‘s Alli and Everton‘s Walker have all been omitted from the 25-man squad for fixtures against the Czech Republic and Bulgaria; meanwhile, Chelsea‘s Fikayo Tomori has been given a first call-up to the senior squad.
Liverpool‘s Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is another to be left out and Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s injury means he is not included.
Discussing his reasoning behind the number of absentees, Southgate said: “Alex has only had a couple of games. It’s a bit like Dele – their seasons haven’t really got going.
“I think Jesse has had a difficult time too. As an attacking midfielder, you are going to be judged on your goals and assists. The competition is a lot higher than it was 18 months ago. Jesse is another player who can get himself back in the squad.
“All of those players will recognise why I’ve made these decisions.”
Tammy Abraham Dilemna
In-form striker Abraham has been given another call-up by Southgate. The Chelsea forward recently admitted he had “not made a decision yet” on his international future with England and Nigeria fighting for his commitment.
Abraham has only featured for England in friendlies; therefore, he is still eligible to transfer his international allegiance to Nigeria. However, he will not be able to do so if he features in either of the upcoming European Championships qualifiers.
The same also applies to Tomori. The young Chelsea star has previously played for Canada at Under-20 level; however, he is eligible to play for the Three Lions too.
“It’s not ethically right to give someone a cap just so they can’t play for someone else,” said Southgate regarding the duo’s international future.
“He and Fikayo Tomori are both in on merit and have been part of our junior system right the way through, so we see them as English players and they have a huge desire to play for England at senior level.”
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