The biggest omissions from Gareth Southgate’s England squad

Gareth Southgate has named his England squad for the upcoming European qualifiers against Italy and Ukraine this month.

In his first squad since the World Cup, the England manager has stuck with the majority of the group who reached the quarter-finals in Qatar.

Ivan Toney has been selected despite being charged by the FA Cup with breaches of their betting regulations, but there have been some shock names not included.

Here are some of the biggest omissions in Southgate’s squad.

Trent Alexander-Arnold

The right back has been dropped due to his poor club form. Alexander-Arnold has been below his best at Liverpool this season and Reece James returns following injury, with Kyle Walker and Kieran Trippier included.

Ben White

The Arsenal defender has played a key role in Mikel Arteta’s title challenge but has not been recalled to the squad. White left England’s World Cup camp midway through the tournament in Qatar due to “personal reasons” and has not been reselected despite his club form.

Raheem Sterling

Southgate explained that Sterling is not fit and would have been selected had he been. The forward is expected to miss Chelsea’s match against Everton on Saturday due to injury.

Ollie Watkins

The Aston Villa forward could not have done more with seven goals in his last eight Premier League games, but he misses out on a recall.

Solly March

Similarly, the Brighton player is in the form of his life in Roberto De Zerbi’s high-flying side. March has represented England youth teams but misses out on a call up to the senior side. Southgate said Marcus Rashford, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka are ahead of him.

Fikayo Tomori

The AC Milan defender was excellent in the victory over Tottenham in the Champions League last-16 but has been overlooked. Conor Coady has not been selected but his place has been taken by Marc Guehi.

Callum Wilson

The Newcastle striker has been out of form and is one of the players who made the plane to Qatar who has not been called up by Southgate.