Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford and Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham have been recalled to the England squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Albania and San Marino.
Rashford was left out of the last squad due to injury and has not featured for his country since the Euro 2020 final defeat to Italy in July. Bellingham, meanwhile, did not make the squad for the last round of internationals against Andorra and Hungary.
England host Albania on Wednesday, November 12 at Wembley before concluding their qualifying campaign away in San Marino three days later. The Three Lions need four points from those games to secure qualification for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
England Squad Announcement
United Duo Miss Out
Despite the inclusion of Rashford, there is no place in the squad for his domestic teammates Jadon Sancho and Jesse Lingard.
On their omissions, England manager Gareth Southgate told the media: “With Jesse and Jadon they just aren’t playing a lot of football compared with the other players in their positions. I know people say I am inconsistent but I don’t think I am.
“These two lads have great competition for places in the positions they play. Jesse has played 15 minutes or so and I don’t know how I can compare his form to others.
“Both of the boys totally understood it when I explained it. They know they have to get playing for their clubs and playing well and then England is a bonus on top.”
Alexander-Arnold Returns
Another player to come back in is Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, who replaces Kieran Trippier of Atletico Madrid. He last featured for England on September 5.
Fikayo Tomori also misses, as does his former teammate Trevoh Chalobah, who many fans felt warranted a call-up after his strong start to the season with Chelsea.
Up front, Roma striker Tammy Abraham makes the squad for the second international break running, although Ollie Watkins, who was called up last time, misses out.
Squad in Full
Goalkeepers: Sam Johnstone (West Bromwich Albion), Jordan Pickford (Everton), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders: Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Reece James (Chelsea), Harry Maguire (Manchester United), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders: Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds United), Declan Rice (West Ham United), James Ward-Prowse (Southampton)
Attackers: Tammy Abraham (Roma), Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham Hotspur), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
Main Photo
Embed from Getty Images
