Gareth Southgate is set to announce his England squad tomorrow (March 14) for two upcoming friendlies.
England will face Belgium and Brazil – their second-to-last set of friendlies before EURO 2024.
With not much preparation left before the tournament, who are the potential inclusions from Everton and Liverpool?
Jurgen Klopp has called on Gareth Southgate to include versatile defender, Joe Gomez, in his upcoming England squad prior to Euro 2024.
After Liverpool’s entertaining 1-1 with Manchester City, he expressed his appreciation of Joe Gomez post-match to Sky Sports stating “Joe Gomez. Gareth, honestly?!”.
Gomez has made 11 appearances for England, all under Southgate.
However the defender has not been involved in a game since England’s 3-0 victory to Wales in August 2020.
With good form that has saw him play all across the back four for Liverpool this season, is it now time for him to make his return to the England squad?
Despite Everton’s poor run of form, Jordan Pickford has been exceptional and has proven his quality as a goalkeeper.
Pickford is currently second for clean sheets in the Premier League this season with eight, with only Arsenal’s David Raya beating him with nine.
After a Nick Pope injury and Aaron Ramsdale becoming Arsenal’s number two, Pickford’s path to number one goalkeeper has never been easier.
Since his return from PSV, Jarrad Branthwaite has played a crucial role in Everton’s defence and could be in line for his first England call-up.
Branthwaite has been very impressive for Everton this season featuring 31 times, which has reportedly caused a lot of big clubs keeping an eye on him.
At 6”5, with great pace and ability to read the game, he possesses attributes that many other England defenders do not.
Southgate has been spotted watching the defender multiple times, suggesting he will get his first call-up soon.
After suffering an ankle injury against Brentford mid-February, Curtis Jones is set to make his return to football.
Jones is yet to be capped for England. However the midfielder has been making strides with his great performances for Liverpool.
In an interview with Goal, he said: “Gareth and the staff have got a choice, but I think I’m doing enough. Everything around me is going well, so we’ll see.”
With England’s midfield choices being slim, left-sided centre midfielder Jones could fit in alongside Judge Bellingham and Declan Rice.
Trent Alexander-Arnold is close to returning from a minor ankle ligament injury he suffered in February against Burnley.
Southgate has frequently used the right-back as a centre-midfield player for England, utilising his great passing abilities.
Trent could be back for the Merseyside Derby on April 17, suggesting there is a chance he will be fit enough to represent England.
(Featured image: England – Creative Commons by Кирилл Венедиктов – soccer.ru)
