Kalvin Phillips dropped from England squad, Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon earn first call-ups

Kalvin Phillips has missed out on a spot in the last England squad before Gareth Southgate names his Euro 2024 selection, while Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite and Newcastle midfielder Anthony Gordon been called up for the first time.

The midfielder has struggled with his form since joining West Ham on loan from Manchester City, which was an attempt to get more game time under his belt following limited opportunities for Pep Guardiola’s treble winners.

Despite his lack of chances at club level, Southgate had continued to pick Phillips until now.

"I think he knows exactly what we think of him," the England boss explained. "A good version of him is an important player for us, and that’s why we’ve supported him as we have. Unfortunately, his form hasn’t been good enough and I’ve spoken to him about that. He understands.

“He has all the attributes to force his way back in. He just needs to find that rhythm and confidence because there is an outstanding player in there.”

England host two friendlies at Wembley later this month, welcoming Brazil on March 23 before facing Belgium three days later. It is a last chance to impress at international level, ahead of the tournament in Germany.

Brentford striker Ivan Toney is back after returning from a ban for breaking betting rules, while Phillips’ club team-mate Jarrod Bowen is also included having scored 17 goals in all competitions this season - including a hat-trick against Toney’s side last month.

Branthwaite's call-up follows a breakthrough season for Sean Dyche's strugglers, while Liverpool's Joe Gomez is recalled for the first time in four years.

Harry Maguire is picked, despite missing Manchester United’s last three matches because of a muscle problem. Brighton’s Lewis Dunk and Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa have kept their places among the defenders.

Several regulars are missing through injury, including Kieran Trippier, Reece James and Trent Alexander-Arnold, but despite that there is still no space for in-form Arsenal defender Ben White, who signed a new contract today. He has not been picked by Southgate since leaving the 2022 World Cup squad, for reasons which have never fully been explained.

Gordon earns his place despite recent injuries and speculation linking him with Scotland, while Chelsea midfielder Cole Palmer has retained his spot following his impressive performances in a side which has struggled in recent months.

After squad sizes were expanded because of Covid, they have been reduced again to the usual 23 for this summer's European Championship, and there are chances for attackers to stake their claim for a place - particularly as an understudy for Harry Kane.

Toney has scored four times since returning from suspension and his main competition appears to be Ollie Watkins, who is in the squad as the leading English goalscorer in the Premier League this season with 16 for Aston Villa.

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