Gareth Southgate is set to name his England squad for March’s international friendlies later this week.
The Three Lions will host Brazil in a glamour clash on March 23, before returning to Wembley three days later to face Belgium on March 26.
The announcement will be the last one before the final squad for Euro 2024 is named in May, and the make-up of the squad will be a huge insight into Southgate’s thinking for the tournament, which kicks-off in Germany on June 14.
Such is the embarrassment of riches available to the England manager, whittling down his options to just 23 players is an almost impossible task.
As such, the Wembley double-header represents one last opportunity for a number of fringe players to stake their claim to a place – whilst a complete wildcard inclusion or two, such as Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, cannot be ruled out.
When is the England squad announced?
The England squad for the two friendlies will be announced on Thursday, March 14 at 2pm.
As is typical with these squad announcements, Southgate will then give a press conference where he will explain the reasons behind his selection.
Team news
Reece James will be absent as he continues his recovery from yet another hamstring injury, while the fixtures have come too soon for Nick Pope, who is closing in on a return having been sidelined since December with a dislocated shoulder.
It’s something of an injury crisis for England at right back, with Kieran Trippier nursing a calf injury and Trent Alexander-Arnold out with a knee injury.
Luke Shaw faces a race against time to make Euro 2024 with a hamstring injury, whilst Manchester United teammate Harry Maguire has missed the club’s last two games with his own niggle.
Jack Grealish will play no part for England following a recurrence of his groin issue sustained in the FA Cup win over Luton, despite the injury not being as bad as first feared.
Cole Palmer, who made his England debut last November, is almost certain to be included following his stellar form for Chelsea this season.
Ivan Toney could make his first appearance for the national team since being banned for breaching FA betting rules last May, with the Brentford striker having netted four goals since his return for the Bees.
As well as Mainoo, Southgate could elect to include uncapped players such as Jarrad Brathwaite and Anthony Gordon.
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