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England's 25-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers has been announced. Marcus Rashford and Bukayo Saka have been selected, but Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold misses out.
The Three Lions start their qualifying campaign against Italy at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Thursday (March 23). Gareth Southgate's men will then host Ukraine at Wembley three days later.
Rashford and Saka have both made the squad following their superb season for Manchester United and Arsenal respectively. The former has bagged 25 goals in 42 games across competitions, enjoying his best season. Meanwhile, Saka has 11 goals and nine assists in 36 games. For many, he's the Premier League player of the season as Arsenal sit atop the standings.
However, there's no place for Liverpool right-back Alexander-Arnold. The defender featured just once at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. He has endured a difficult season at Anfield, with his defending ability constantly questioned. The Merseysiders full-back has three goals and as many assists in 36 games across competitions.
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has made the team despite pleading guilty to multiple charges of breaching FA gambling rules. The Bees striker has been in prolific form, scoring 17 goals in 26 games.
England's squad for their two upcoming UEFA Euro 2024 qualifiers is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
Jordan Pickford (Everton), Nick Pope (Newcastle United), Aaron Ramsdale (Arsenal)
Defenders:
Ben Chilwell, Reece James (Chelsea), Eric Dier (Tottenham Hotspur), Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw (Manchester United), John Stones (Manchester City), Kyle Walker (Manchester City)
Midfielders:
Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Conor Gallagher (Chelsea), Mason Mount (Chelsea), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Kalvin Phillips (Manchester City), James Maddison (Leicester City), Declan Rice (West Ham United)
Attackers:
Phil Foden (Manchester City), Jack Grealish (Manchester City), Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Manchester United), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Ivan Toney (Brentford)
England manager Southgate explains Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold's snub
Southgate has explained that the depth his team possesses at full-back is why Alexander-Arnold has not been selected. The Liverpool right-back and Arsenal's Ben White are notable absentees.
The Three Lions boss said (via Football Daily):
"It's similar with Ben and Trent really; there are three boys that are in as right full-backs that we have just ahead of those two. We are blessed in that position with the depth of talent. It's the hardest position to pick."
Alexander-Arnold has never really been a regular under Southgate. He has earned 18 caps, scoring one goal and providing four assists. He was handed his international debut by Southgate in 2018.
