England national team coach, Gareth Southgate, is contemplating bringing back Liverpool defender, Joe Gomez, to the squad. However, midfielder Kalvin Phillips may lose his spot due to recent underwhelming performances.
Southgate will on Thursday name his squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium this month but his plans have been hit by injuries to players in a variety of positions. One of the main headaches is a defensive crisis that has sidelined Kieran Trippier, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi, Reece James and Luke Shaw. Harry Maguire, Levi Colwill and Ben Chilwell are doubts.
Southgate will have to adjust and his attention has been caught by Gomez, who has impressed for Liverpool this season. The versatile 26-year-old, who has not played for England since October 2020, is an attractive option because of his ability to play in every position across the back four. Southgate could also recall the former Tottenham centre-back Eric Dier, who has done well since joining Bayern Munich, and has tracked the Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite.
The manager’s aspirations to perform well against Brazil and Belgium may be hindered by injuries. This is England’s last training session before the immediate preparation for Euro 2024 and they will not have their strongest lineup. Trent Alexander-Arnold of Liverpool, who has been playing as a midfielder for the national team, is dealing with a knee injury and Jack Grealish of Manchester City has been under the weather.
Unfortunately, Alexander-Arnold not being available is a setback for England, as their midfield does not have many backup options. The decision facing Southgate will be whether to select Phillips, who has faced difficulties since moving on loan from City to West Ham. This player, who had a rough 18 months at City, was taken out of the game at halftime during their previous match.
Display the photograph in full-screen mode.
Southgate has remained committed to Phillips, and despite some questioning of his spot on the team, it is probable that he will have another opportunity to showcase his skills. As an integral member for Southgate’s team, it is desired that he can recover top form before the Euros. However, the limited options in midfield may present a challenge.
Curtis Jones and Mason Mount are currently dealing with injuries, while Crystal Palace’s Eberechi Eze has also encountered fitness problems. There is a possibility that Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, a young player, may be selected but it is more probable that he will be part of the under-21 team.
If there are not many choices for the left-back position, Rico Lewis from City might have another chance to prove himself after his successful debut against North Macedonia in November. Cole Palmer, a Chelsea player, may also be selected for the team.
“Ditch the advertisement for the newsletter”
after newsletter promotion
James Maddison, a midfielder for Tottenham, is expected to come back after sitting out of the previous camp due to an injury. Meanwhile, Jarrod Bowen, a forward for West Ham, is hopeful that he has performed well enough to stay on the team. Anthony Gordon from Newcastle is optimistic that the knee injury he sustained during the match against Chelsea on Monday is not serious. Southgate has been keeping tabs on the winger, who has a possibility of being included in the squad.
Marcus Rashford has been inconsistent for United but the Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins looks likely to continue as Harry Kane’s back-up. Brentford’s Ivan Toney is available after his return from suspension but Newcastle’s Callum Wilson is injured. Chelsea’s Raheem Sterling has not played for England since the 2022 World Cup.
Source: theguardian.com
