Gareth Southgate has explained his decision not to include Chelsea duo Raheem Sterling and Cole Palmer, and Newcastle winger Anthony Gordon, in his latest England squad.
Southgate has named his squad for November’s internationals as England conclude their qualification campaign for the 2024 European Championship, with fixtures against Malta and North Macedonia.
Southgate has named a largely unchanged squad from October’s break, with Newcastle forward Callum Wilson and the fit-again Bukayo Saka recalled.
There’s no place in the squad for several in-form Premier League players however, with Raheem Sterling’s absence continuing. The 28-year-old has not featured since the 2022 World Cup, but Southgate insists the door remains open for a recall.
“The door is 100% open,” Southgate said at a press conference.
“There is no doubt about that. In terms of his quality and personality. He is crucial part of the journey we have had.
“The team are playing well, they were exceptional against Italy. So who do we leave out? It is as simple as that.
“We have stuck with that group, and deliberately not made changes. It is fair to the guys in the squad.”
The uncapped Cole Palmer and Anthony Gordon were tipped to earn first call-ups, but neither have been selected for the squad. Southgate said each were left out due to the competition for places in attacking areas.
“It’s a changing landscape there,” Southgate said. “When we first started we didn’t really have any depth in wingers to refresh the team. Now we have a lot more depth there, probably more there than any other position.”
