What time does Gareth Southgate announce his England squad?
Ollie Watkins will be hoping for an England recall when boss Gareth Southgate names his first squad since the World Cup on Thursday.
Southgate opted to carry on in his role after England’s quarter-final defeat to France in Qatar before Christmas and will lead the country into Euro 2024 next summer, with qualifying getting under way later this month.
Watkins could be named in the squad to play Italy and Ukraine following his outstanding form for Aston Villa, while Chelsea duo Reece James and Ben Chilwell may return after they missed the World Cup through injury.
Watkins, who has won seven caps, was not part of the squad that went to the Middle East, but having scored six goals in his last seven games, it will be difficult for Southgate to ignore him, especially with other issues in attack. Here’s everything you need to know.
When does Gareth Southgate name his England squad?
The England manager will announce his squad at 2pm today.
Who else is in contention?
Brentford striker Ivan Toney, who was also left out of the World Cup squad, may miss out again as the Football Association disciplinary case for breaching betting rules hangs over him.
Callum Wilson did go to Qatar and impressed in a cameo role, but has scored just one goal in 13 games for Newcastle since the domestic season resumed.
Jadon Sancho may be in contention for a recall after a spell out of the reckoning. The Manchester United winger has only featured once for England since the Euro 2020 final and was not part of Southgate’s plans for the World Cup.
Elsewhere, James Maddison will be hoping to still be in favour, while eyes will be on whether Arsenal defender Ben White, who is having a fine season for the Gunners, is included after leaving the World Cup camp early for “personal reasons”.
Southgate could also look to give some fresh faces a chance, with Nottingham Forest forward Morgan Gibbs-White, who Southgate is a known admirer of, and Liverpool’s Harvey Elliott both possible inclusions.
When are England’s matches this month?
England begin their Group C campaign when they visit Italy on March 23, with Ukraine travelling to Wembley three days later.
